Warren Civil Service Commission refuses request in cop promotion case

WARREN — The Warren Civil Service Commission has refused a request from the city’s safety-service director to disqualify a police officer for promotion because of racial slurs he uttered to black residents in August.

Commission members James Fredericka and the Rev. Frank Hearns said they don’t believe the rules allow the commission to change course now that it has certified Lt. Joseph Marhulik as the next Warren police officer eligible for promotion to captain.

The commission voted against blocking the promotion by a 3-0 vote today. “I don’t think our rules provide for that. I think we’re past that,” Fredericka said. “I don’t think the city can ask us to put the toothpaste back in the tube.”

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