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Ballwin police chief 'no longer employed' by city months after being placed on leave

He was placed on administrative leave in October.

BALLWIN, Mo. — Ballwin Police Chief Douglas Schaeffler is "no longer employed" by the city after a unanimous vote by the city's board of aldermen, the city said Thursday.

"Effective today, Thursday, Dec. 7, Chief Doug Schaeffler is no longer employed with the City of Ballwin," according to the post. "As this is a personnel matter, the city is not able to offer further comment at this time."

The city's board of aldermen held a meeting Wednesday night. During a closed session portion to discuss "legal matters, personnel/employee matters, and/or real estate," Alderman Mike Utt made a motion to remove the chief from his position "based on evidence presented." 

The motion was seconded. It was passed with a unanimous 8-0 vote.

The board then unanimously voted to end the meeting.

Schaeffler was placed on administrative leave in October after a unanimous vote by the city's board of aldermen. The October motion also called for the city to retrieve city-issued property and revoke his access to the police department building.

City officials have not commented on the reason board members decided to place Schaeffler on leave or remove him from his position.

The city spokesperson said Capt. John Bergfeld, who has served 26 years with the Ballwin Police Department, will now serve as acting police chief.

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