by Steve Bowman
Editor, The Brentwood Spirit
On Sunday, Brentwood residents learned what the mayor and city officials have known for months: over the past 24 years, Brentwood firefighters have received hundreds of thousands of dollars of overtime pay for hours they did not work.
Residents also learned that former Fire Chief Bob Niemeyer, who announced his retirement in May, was forced to retire, along with two other officers, and two more were demoted.
A St. Louis Post-Dispatch article written by Brentwood resident and Post-Dispatch reporter Paul Hampel broke the news to the community. Here is a link to Hampel’s article:
Over the past four months, Brentwood residents have experienced a roller coaster ride of sorts. It began with the city’s announcement that Brentwood’s long-time city administrator Christopher Seemayer had resigned. A reason for the resignation was not given, other than it was a personnel issue. Then Niemeyer, with 49 years of service, announced his retirement and was publicly thanked for service in the city newsletter. Replacements were hired for both Seemayer and Niemeyer.
This was the news city officials provided to the public by announcement on their Website, in the city newsletter and in alderman meeting minutes.
But news of a much rockier ride has emerged in the last two weeks from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and U.S. Justice Department press releases. First, Seemayer pleaded guilty to two counts of federal fraud, having embezzled about $30,000 by taking numerous unauthorized cash advances on the City of Brentwood’s credit card for the purpose of gambling at the Casino Queen. Next, there was news of fire officials and firefighters being paid overtime for hours they did not work.
The discussion boards on the St. Louis Post-Dispatch Website, www.stltoday.com, have been active with citizens expressing their thoughts and concerns. Many have questions – do you? The next Brentwood Board of Aldermen meeting is at 7 p.m. tonight, July 18, at City Hall.
Also, you’re welcome to leave your comments on this Website.
All comments on The Brentwood Spirit Website are moderated.
The Brentwood Spirit 
Yikes!
I’m sure there are plenty of stories behind the story and what is published isn’t always the full truth. It is unsettling to see this happen in our city tho. I’m sure it is something that was started many years ago and everyone just thought it was the way things were done. Most likely, the ones getting punished aren’t the ones who started the policy.
One thing I will say is that I’m proud that our city can afford to pay our workers such high salaries. I’m always saying that the people who deserve high pay are those who put their lives on the line for others – police, firemen, and our military. Good for Brentwood!
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I agree with your satisfaction that we can pay good salaries to those who serve and protect us. But it must be done honesty and truthfulness.
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When these men filled out and signed their time sheets, they knew they did not work those hours.
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I agree. It seems that no one is completely innocent here.
God Bless
Ric Oppelt
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I’ve known Bob Neimeyer since he and I were little kids. He is a good man who has made a serious mistake by going along with a system that in his heart he knew wasn’t right.
He must pay yhe penalty for this but let us remember that he who is without sin may cast the first stone.
While we are thinking about this problem let’s also think about the devotion and heroism that Bobby (sorry old habit) has given to the citizens of Brentwood. I would like to say the same for most of our firemen.
Bobby I hope you don’t mind me calling you by this name it is a name of respect and friendship that I started a long , long time ago.
God Bless
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