Bigowsky doesn’t return to work

By John W. Goodwin Jr.

The former chief has taken time off for medical reasons.

GIRARD — Former Police Chief Frank Bigowsky will not be wearing the uniform of a city patrolman after all — at least not until he is cleared for work by his doctor.

Bigowsky, who was demoted from chief to patrolman earlier this week, was scheduled to return to work at 6 a.m. from a paid administrative leave. Bigowsky did not report for that shift.

Jerry Lambert, safety services director, said Bigowsky had been originally scheduled to return to work on a Thursday afternoon shift, but that was changed to day shift, leading to a miscommunication.

“We had made a decision to have him start on afternoon shift Thursday, then [Bigowsky] called in to see if he could work day turn. [Acting Chief John] Villecco said it would be better on overtime and manpower if he did work days, but [Bigowsky] was still thinking he would work afternoons this week and days starting Monday,” said Lambert.

The former chief’s start time became a moot point by late Thursday morning. Lambert said Bigowsky furnished the city a doctor’s note excusing him from work for the next 30 days because of a medical condition.

Dennis Haines, Bigowsky’s legal counsel, said the former chief has been informed by his doctor to remain off his feet for a period of time. Bigowsky did suffer a foot injury earlier this year and was off work for that injury.

Haines said Bigowsky made sure the city was informed of the doctor’s suggestion.

“I don’t know when they were notified, but they were notified,” Haines said. “The hope is that he will take a few weeks and be back on his feet. Bigowsky is ready, willing and able to return to work when the doctor releases him.”

Mayor James Melfi said the city has received Bigowsky’s doctor’s excuse, but he wishes the former chief had furnished the information before a Wednesday news conference — at which Bigowsky said he was ready to come back to work.

“He does have a doctor’s excuse and it has been presented to the city. Obviously, I am very disappointed because officer Bigowsky said in a press conference he was ready, willing and able to return to work, but he must have known previously about this health condition,” said Melfi.

City administration, after several weeks of investigation, filed a complaint containing seven charges against Bigowsky. Those charges — including teaching classes on city time — were the basis for his demotion.

Bigowsky has said he will appeal the city’s decision to demote him. He has said the entire investigation came as the result of a letter of complaint he filed with the civil service commission against the mayor.

Bigowsky now has eight days left to file an appeal with the civil service commission.

jgoodwin@vindy.com