HAMTRAMCK, Mich. – Hamtramck city leaders have taken decisive action by firing the city manager and moving to dismiss two other officials named in a recent law firm report, including the police chief.
Hamtramck police Chief Jamiel Altaheri, Officer David Adamczyk, and City Manager Max Garbarino are all now out of their jobs as of Tuesday (Aug. 26).
The law firm’s report outlined evidence of misconduct involving the three officials.
Before deciding to fire them, the city council spent over an hour in a closed session on Tuesday.
Instead of hearing the report from the law firm, the council moved to terminate the employees based on the report’s findings.
First, the council voted 5-0 to fire Garbarino and then directed the acting city manager to terminate the contracts of Altaheri and Adamczyk.
The city attorney explained that under the city charter, the council does not have authority to discipline or remove department heads or employees—that authority rests solely with the City Manager.
For that reason, the council directed the acting city manager to take appropriate action regarding the police chief and the officer identified in the report.
However, the city attorney said during the meeting that “both will end up terminated.”
“It’s shocking and it’s a clear retaliation and it’s a big mistake and the people of Hamtramck are going to be the ones punished for this,” said attorney Reno Arabo representing Garbarino and Adamczyk. “We are going to pursue litigation even more aggressively than before. We are going to uncover every stone. It’s going to be a long, drawn-out process.”
“We waited for the report to come out. It costs us a lot. We could’ve prevented this cost if some things were handled properly in the beginning,” said Hamtramck Mayor Amer Ghalib.
“Throughout my time as Chief, my priority has always been the safety and well-being of the people of Hamtramck.
Under my leadership, we have expanded community outreach, built trust with residents and businesses, while taking steps to modernize the department.
It is unfortunate that these contributions are being overshadowed by a process that disregards due process and fairness.
Termination is not only unfair to me but also harmful to our city. The people of Hamtramck deserve steady leadership, not more division.
I remain committed to defending my reputation through the legal process and to ensuring that the truth is heard.”
Hamtramck police Chief Jamiel Altaheri
“The recommendation made by the Hamtramck City Council tonight, while disheartening, is not surprising especially given the environment created by former Hamtramck City Manager Max Garbarino who pursued a campaign of harassment and retribution against Police Chief Altaheri.
I am confident, however, that in a court of law, Chief Altieri’s good reputation will be upheld.”
Civil Rights Attorney Amir Makled representing Jamiel Altaheri