r October 2006: The Eagle-Tribune reveals federal investigation into Methuen Police Department.

r March 2007: City ordered to repay $30,000 in federal grant money misspent on superior officers' overtime. Figure later reduced to $23,000.

r April 2007: Police Chief Joseph Solomon receives three-day unpaid suspension for the misspent grant money.

r May 2007: City Council takes 5 to 3 vote of "no confidence" in Solomon.

r June 30, 2007: Solomon's three-year contract runs out; Manzi refuses to renew.

r July 2007: Federal government demands repayment of $170,000 in grant money misspent on superior officers. City appeals.

r Sept. 28, 2007: Manzi places Solomon on paid leave.

r Nov. 2, 2007: Solomon holds a rally of his supporters, saying "You can all rest assured I have done nothing wrong and the full story will come out."

r January 2008: The Eagle-Tribune reports the Justice Department says city can't prove superior officers worked overtime and that's why it wants the $170,000 repaid.

r Jan. 31: Manzi calls for a disciplinary hearing against Solomon.

r Feb. 18: Solomon says he aided the FBI in a corruption probe into Manzi.

r Feb. 19: Discipline hearing against Solomon begins. Solomon requests hearing be closed.

r April 14, 2008: Solomon's disciplinary hearing ends after 45 hours of testimony spread over nine weeks.

r Monday: Hearing officer issues his report to Manzi.

r Yesterday: Manzi fires Solomon based on the hearing officer's report.