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Bloomington Fire Department Captain Charged With Sexual Misconduct Resigns

Last updated on Friday, April 6, 2018

(BLOOMINGTON) - Captain Robert Sears submitted his letter of resignation/retirement to the Administration Division of the Bloomington Fire Department on Thursday.

The City accepted his letter, in lieu of termination, effective immediately.

Sears, 44, of Mitchell, is charged with two felony counts of sexual misconduct with a minor and a felony count of child solicitation.

A special session of the Board of Public Safety scheduled for Monday has been cancelled as a result of Sears' resignation, effectively ending his status as a sworn firefighter and City employee.

Having completed 20 years of service, Sears is entitled to receive his State pension. State statute does not allow that pension to be removed even for sworn firefighters charged with or prosecuted on felony charges.

Chief Jason Moore issued the following statement regarding Sears' resignation: "The actions of Robert Sears have shaken the Department and the community we serve. With his resignation, we will be able to quickly fill the vacancy his departure creates, allowing us to continue providing the excellent public safety services our community expects."

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