Tulare City manager and police chief fired on the same day

Tulare lost two leaders hours apart — a city manager and a chief of police.

During a closed session meeting on Tuesday, city council members fired Joe Carlini, who has served as city manager for less than a year.

Carlini was slated to receive an employee review, according to the agenda.

Hours before the council meeting, Carlini sent attorney Mike Lampe a notice of termination for former Tulare police chief Wes Hensley.

In the letter, Carlini stated that Hensley was an "at-will" employee. Hensley's termination was not due to misconduct, he said.

"You are being dismissed to further the goals of this organization, due to a loss of confidence in your ability to lead the police department in a manner that is consistent with the goals of this organization," Carlini stated in the letter.

It's unclear whether Carlini knew he would be let go prior to sending the letter to Lampe.

Carlini was hired as city manager in June 2017. He was voted in by council members following a four-month period as interim city manager.

The former Tulare Public Works Director, Carlini said he was thankful for the city’s staff, the community members, and council, following his appointment as city manager.

In addition to Hensley and Carlini's terminations, there are two high-ranking police officers on paid administrative leave.

Last week, following an officer-involved shooting, two police officers were also placed on paid administrative leave. It's unknown if the officers have been allowed to return to duty.

Community Development Manager Rob Hunt will serve as interim city manager.

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