Disciplinary hearing against firefighter continues Thursday, Friday

Metro Wire Staff

The disciplinary hearing against Firefighter/Paramedic Casey Bielen picks back up on Thursday morning.

The City of Stevens Point is providing a live broadcast of the hearing against Bielen, the embattled Stevens Point firefighter who last year was issued a three-day suspension without pay as punishment for violating several SPFD policies, including neglect of duty, reporting for duty while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, making a false report or statement, and being absent without leave.

In a separate issue, he has also been accused of sexually harassing women via social media.

The hearing was initially scheduled for March 1-3; two additional days were scheduled due to the length of the testimony thus far. Testimony on March 11 and 12 has been added, beginning at 9 a.m. each day.

The members of the Stevens Point Police and Fire Commission heard the testimony via Zoom. At some point following the closure of the hearing on Friday, the PFC will render a decision as to whether or not Bielen can remain employed with the SPFD.

So far, several firefighters, two Portage Co. deputies, a Stevens Point police officer, and SPFD management have been called as witnesses to what they heard, saw, and did, in response to accusations made against Bielen. Two civilian women have also testified about Bielen’s alleged harassment.

Stevens Point Fire Chief Robert Finn spent six hours testifying on March 3—the longest, and arguably most colorful, testimony to date.

Dean Dietrich, special counsel for the PFC, is acting as administrator for the hearing. Attorneys for the city and Bielen are also expected to continue their participation in the hearing beginning Thursday morning at 9 a.m.

Check back for in-depth coverage of the testimony