By Kristin Buehner, Mason City Globe Gazette

NORTHWOOD, Iowa — Northwood Police Chief Leo Dorsey has been fired from his position, Mayor Randy Severson said Wednesday.

“Due to the series of events involving his activities with his former wife, in which he violated our city police department policies, I terminated Chief Dorsey on Tuesday,” Severson said in a prepared statement. “I have named Shayne Hoch as acting police chief.”

Hoch is one of two police officers in the Northwood Police Department, with officer Ben Morey. Hoch was hired in August 2008, City Clerk Donna Tyrrell said.

A third officer, Dennis Paulson, has also been hired and begins his duties Wednesday, Severson said.

A decision will now need to be made as to whether to hire a fourth officer, Severson said.

“The discussions have not started yet,” he said. “The council needs to meet and decide what our next options are and how we proceed.”

In a decision issued Monday, District Judge James Drew ruled a temporary injunction against Dorsey, 55, would remain in effect. The injunction bars Dorsey from being anywhere near his ex-wife’s Northwood home.

Kelli Dorsey, 38, alleged recent contact with and actions of her ex-husband were threatening, charging that he threatened to shoot her and then kill himself. He also allegedly entered Kelli’s home without her knowledge and removed the hard drive from her computer.

She alleges that he was also watching her while she attended a Super Bowl party in February.

Leo Dorsey has admitted to the allegations but said he was joking when he made the threat with the gun and was just checking on Kelli at the party.

He could not be reached for further comment.

The couple’s divorce was finalized in February 2011.

Dorsey has served as police chief in Northwood for about 15 years.

He is running as a Republican candidate for Worth County sheriff against former Sheriff David Gentz in the June primary election.

Sheriff Jay Langenbau is running unopposed in the Democratic primary.