Woodstock IL....Continuing Saga of Sgt. Gorski

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.

WOODSTOCK ILLINOIS CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER...FILLED TO CAPACITY

The chamber was filled to capacity with about a dozen or so citizens standing along the side and back wall. I was only able to attend the first half of the public comments section of the meeting; I suspect another blog will give you a more in debt report (www.woodstockadvocate.com).

Two members of the public voiced their dissatisfaction on the apparent increase in crime and crime related activities in Woodstock and the apparent lack of leadership and transmission of information to the public. One of the speakers, was very displeased with the way the "man with a gun" incident was managed and questioned the alleged quality of the leadership of the Woodstock Police Department. The mayor, Dr. B. Sager stated that the council is aware of the communities concerns and will implement actions that will make sure this, to the best of their abilities, does not happen again. The Police Chief, Robert W. Lowen Jr. was present at the time of the public comments and had no comments.

PEOPLE UPSET WITH CHIEF LOWEN?...TO FILL CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS THIS TUESDAY?

Unofficial word on the street is that the citizens of Woodstock Illinois are allegedly very, very upset with the way things have been handled by the Chief of Police Robert W. Lowen Jr. From what I have heard a number of them will be showing up for the Tuesday meeting of the City Council to voice their complaints of the way public safety and crime matters have been handled over the last several days and I don't think they will be willing to settle for a cup of coffee...even a premium imported blend.
PS: Meeting will be held a 7 PM on this coming Tuesday at the City Hall in the Council Chambers.