Rating:

0.0 (0 votes)

PHOENIX - The leader of Arizona's Air National Guard has been fired by the state's top National Guard officer following a heated email exchange that followed completion of an investigation targeting the air guard commander.

Brigadier General Michael Colangelo was relieved of command on Aug. 14 by Major General Hugo Salazar. Salazar commands all guard forces in the state as the adjutant general.

Salazar tells the Arizona Republic he dismissed Colangelo because of a breakdown in trust. Colangelo declined comment.

The firing came after an Air Force Inspector General's report was issued finding Colangelo abused his authority and Salazar issued a written reprimand.

The investigation was prompted by complaints from four senior officers who Colangelo had dismissed with Salazar's approval for alleged misconduct.