Former Police Chief Sues Calumet Village For Age Discrimination

The Village of Calumet is being sued by its former police chief.

Lake Linden resident Joel Dobis has filed a lawsuit in the U.S District Court’s West District of Michigan, alleging age discrimination on the part of the Calumet Village Council.

The former Zilwaukee police chief was 59-years old when he was hired by Calumet last fall.

In January, the council, made up of mostly newly elected members, decided to terminate his employment.

The reason given was that Dobis had not received his re-certification prior to being offered the position.

He was allowed to reapply but the job was then awarded to current police chief Keith Anderson.

The lawsuit states that Anderson is much younger than Dobis, was less qualified and was given more money.

Dobis says he was hired at $38,000 a year but Anderson was awarded about $60,000.

The lawsuit also claims that in November, then councilmember-elect Virginia Dwyer told Dobis she wanted Anderson instead of him.

It is also claims that the council made comments on record that Dobis was considered too old to do the job.

Stating loss of income as well as emotional distress and personal humiliation, Dobis is seeking in excess of $75,000 in damages.