Mt. Pleasant fired its police chief this week after four years on the job.

The tenure of Chief Douglas Sam ended Tuesday, borough solicitor Deanna Istik confirmed. Borough council voted 6-3 on Monday to fire Sam.

Istik declined to comment on the reasons for the termination, saying the personnel matter was discussed in executive sessions.

Councilwoman Cynthia Stevenson said she voted to dismiss Sam because of “a long string of things.” She declined to elaborate on Sam’s dismissal, citing legal advice from Istik.

Acting on the advice of the solicitor, Mayor Jerry Lucia said he could not comment on the matter.

Capt. George Grippo, second in command of the department, will be in charge of the police force until council decides whether to appoint an interim police chief or begin the process of hiring a permanent replacement, Istik said.

Sam, 53, could not be reached for comment Wednesday.

Sam was hired as chief in March 2015 after a months-long search and a review of dozens of candidates, the Tribune-Review reported. He had been working as a patrolman in Trafford since 2007 and became that borough’s K-9 officer. Sam was promoted to the position of patrolman and shift supervisor.

Joe Napsha is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Joe at 724-836-5252 or jnapsha@tribweb.com.

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