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Newton Police Chief Fired For Comments To Women

Newton's police chief has been fired for making what were deemed inappropriate comments to women who worked for the department.

Matthew Cummings was fired Thursday by Mayor Setti Warren following a six-hour hearing that featured several witnesses. Cummings did not testify on his own behalf.

Cummings has been with the department in the affluent Boston suburb for 30 years and has been chief since 2009.

An independent investigator concluded that the 57-year-old Cummings made derogatory remarks toward women in the department, including his former secretary, and at one point kicked her foot. He was also accused of calling a pregnant employee "fat."

The secretary who made the complaints was charged with stealing from the department.

Cummings' lawyer says the decision will be taken to arbitration.

This program aired on October 12, 2012. The audio for this program is not available.

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