MITCHELLVILLE, Iowa —
Mayor Tony Jensen said the city of Mitchellville dismissed its fire chief, Mike Twohey, on Thursday, March 5, citing “serious concerns regarding leadership within the department” and what he described as a failure to ensure members of the Mitchellville Volunteer Fire Department followed the city’s Firefighter Code of Conduct.
In a statement, Jensen said the city’s concerns included allegations that members of the department were allowed to engage in conduct “that included harassment and defamatory statements directed toward citizens and elected officials.”
“The city of Mitchellville expects its volunteers and employees to represent the community with professionalism, integrity, and respect,” Jensen said. “Leadership within the department must ensure those standards are upheld.”
Interim leadership named; permanent appointment to go before council
Jensen said the deputy fire chief, Matt Cleverley, has been placed in the role of interim fire chief “effective immediately” to maintain continuity of operations and public safety services.
He also said he plans to present an appointment for a permanent fire chief to the Mitchellville City Council for consideration at the next regularly scheduled council meeting.
“My priority remains ensuring that the Mitchellville Fire Department operates with strong leadership, accountability, and the professionalism that the residents of Mitchellville deserve,” Jensen said.
Special council meeting called Monday
A special meeting of the Mitchellville City Council has been scheduled for Monday, March 9, 2026, at 6 p.m. at the Mitchellville Community Center, 120 Second St. NE, Mitchellville, Iowa 50169, according to the posted agenda.
Among the listed items are:Discussion and possible action regarding a social media policy
Discussion and possible action regarding fire department issues
The agenda also includes discussion items related to meeting protocol, the roles of council members and the mayor in day-to-day operations of city employees, and direction to the city administrator and city clerk.
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