New details on why nine Milwaukee firefighters are suspended

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Nine Milwaukee firefighters are on "administrative suspension" after allegations of inappropriate behavior inside the firehouse.

These nine firefighters are getting paid, but not reporting to work as the investigation continues.

The incidents happened at Engine 32, located near North 30th and Vliet.

FOX6 News' sources say an incident occurred Saturday, and was discovered as the shift changed on Sunday.

Sources confirm several firefighters allegedly vandalized the station -- targeting specific firefighters from another shift. They are accused of defecating on personal equipment, urinating in or on lockers -- and someone allegedly put a dead mouse into one of the lockers.

The reason for the vandalism is alleged retaliation against those the suspended firefighters thought reported an earlier incident.

At that time, the same group of firefighters who allegedly vandalized the station were looking at inappropriate pictures. When a superior questioned a high-ranking firefighter about it, that firefighter resigned.

A spokesman for Mayor Tom Barrett's Office says: "The mayor has encouraged the chief to be thorough and complete in the investigation and to take the allegations seriously."

Engine 32 is at full staff now -- using firefighters on overtime from other stations.