Sunday, September 30, 2012

Fishkill town cop sues over ‘politically motivated’ demotion

TOWN OF FISHKILL – Scott Bierce was a captain in the Fishkill Town Police Department until he expressed his support for former Town Supervisor Joan Pagones. She lost to Robert LaColla. It was shortly thereafter that Bierce was demoted to the rank of patrolman and he alleges in a federal lawsuit that the reduction in rank was as a result of outspoken support for LaColla’s opponent.

Bierce maintains that he never violated departmental or town policy in his support for Pagones, but that almost immediately after LaColla took office this past January, he proposed elimination of one of the two captain’s positions. “This reduction caused [Bierce] a loss of rank, status, salary and benefits,” the suit states. It also “humiliated him and detracted from his professional reputation and career opportunities,” according to the court filing.

Bierce’s attorney, Michael Sussman, said he is seeking restoration of his rank and financial considerations.

LaColla had no comment on the suit pending his receipt and review of the court papers.

http://midhudsonnews.com/News/2012/September/30/Bierce_lawsuit-30Sep12.htm

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