Freehold Fire Chief On Leave After Simple Assault Arrest

FREEHOLD, NJ — The Chief of the Freehold Fire Department has been put on administrative leave after he was arrested and charged with simple assault, according to a police report obtained by Patch.

At 3:55 a.m. on Aug. 2, the report said Michael Wilson, 50, was arrested at his home by Manalapan Police and charged with simple assault.

Additional information on Wilson’s arrest was not immediately available.

Patch has reached out to the Manalapan Township Police Department and Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office for more information.

Effective on Aug. 5, Wilson was put on administrative leave of absence, according to the Freehold Borough Mayor & Council agenda for their Aug. 11 meeting.

Patch has reached out to Freehold Borough Mayor Kevin Kane and Freehold Borough Business Administrator Stephen Gallo for comment. The Freehold Fire Department could not immediately be reached by phone.

When reached by the Asbury Park Press, Wilson declined to comment.

In January, Wilson was sworn in as Chief of the Freehold Fire Department, with John O’Grady as 1st Assistant Chief, Leonard Maxfield as 2nd Assistant Chief, and Jack Zuber as 3rd Assistant Chief, according to a post from the Freehold Fire Department.

Alongside his work at the Freehold Fire Department, Wilson is also listed as a commissioner with Gordons Corner Fire Company in Manalapan.

Editor's Note: This story has been updated with additional information from the Manalapan Township Police Department.