On February 14, 2008 the Woodstock Illinois Fire and Police Commissioners vindicated Patrol Sergeant Steven R. Gorski, for lack of evidence, of all complaints filed against him by Police Chief, Robert W. Lowen Jr. This followed a 4 1/2 month prosecution by Lowen and his city paid attorney Anne Brophy of the firm of Zukowski, Rogers, Flood & McArdle. After all was said and done by the prosecution, including taking the testimony of a multitude of witnesses the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners returned a unanimous decision in Sgt. Gorski's favor; not one commissioner voted against him. Of even more significance is the fact that not one commissioner asked that any disciplinary action be taken against him.
On February 14, 2008 the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners signed the following official document:
"IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that the Charges against the Respondent (Sgt. Gorski) be dismissed. The Board having held that the Charges against the Respondent (Sgt. Gorski) are not sustained, orders that the Respondent (Sgt. Gorski) be reimbursed for any wages withheld as a result of the Respondent's suspension without pay pending the hearing. The Chief of the Police Department and other appropriate corporate authorities are directed to implement this order forthwith."
Well, it is now (8) eight months later and the Chief, Robert Lowen and other appropriate corporate authorities of the City of Woodstock Illinois have not implemented the direct order of the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners. From all sensible points of view that sounds like the Chief and appropriate corporate authorities are allegedly guilty of insubordination and not obeying a direct order given to them. Sgt. Gorski still has not seen one penny of the money due him. How many of you could survive and take care of a family on no income?
I would hope and pray that the City Council of the City of Woodstock Illinois would stop this travesty of justice and common sense from continuing by complying with the order and directly dismissing those individuals who were ordered to comply forthwith by the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners and freely choose not to follow the order. The Sgt. should also be paid all money due him per order of the Board.
No one in public service, no mater what rank or level of power and supervision they hold are above the rule of law and those who believe they are need to move on to some other endeavor. I pray that this foolishness ends.
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1 comment:
It seems to me that a civic panel, appointed by the town fathers, should have some importance and respect among government officials. Such a panel, or Board, provides important guidance. In this case, their guidance is not merely being ignored, but it is being disregarded. The Board said to pay Sgt. Gorski. He should have had the money within a week!
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