The City of Kingston's newly appointed fire chief is suspended following an investigation into former chief Richard Salzmann. Our Beth Croughan has the latest on the investigation.

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KINGSTON, N.Y. -- An investigation is underway against the City of Kingston's newly appointed fire chief.

Chris Rea has been suspended without pay two weeks after he was placed in his new position.

Mayor Shane Gallo says he took the action as a result of time and attendance issues, the same reason former chief Richard Salzmann was put under investigation.

Gallo says the matter has been passed off to the district attorney’s office and now the entire department is now under investigation.

Mayor Gallo says he's ashamed the department has a black eye because of a few individuals.

"What’s really difficult for me today is both of these men, who are now in the hands of the DA, contributed between the two of them, almost 60 years to this community. Unblemished records. It's a shame, but unfortunately, I have no other alternative but to act in the matter I am, to be consistent with transparency, accountability and fairness, especially when it comes to Salzmann, so it's not perceived that this is selective enforcement, but I’m not going to tolerate it," Gallo said.

Gallo says former fire chief John Reinhardt has agreed to come back and oversee the department while a replacement is found.