Warren cops' punishment upheld

WARREN — Doug Franklin, Warren safety-service director, has upheld the punishment given to three supervisors in the Warren Police Department who were given time off without pay for helping a sergeant watch and coach basketball games on city time.

Franklin notified Sgt. Mike Albanese, Sgt. Dan Mason and Lt. Eric Merkel that their grievances have been denied.

In letters to the three dated Thursday, Franklin said he supported the punishment given by Chief Tim Bowers, who was acting chief at the time he issued the punishment. Bowers will be sworn in as chief Wednesday.

Franklin’s letter instructs Bowers to schedule the three supervisors to serve their suspensions “promptly.” Each man has a right to appeal the decision to an arbitrator within 30 days.

Bowers said he has asked Capt. Janice Gilmore, who is in charge of the three supervisers, to notify him when the suspensions ought to begin and end. He wants the suspensions to be complete by the beginning of November, he said.

If any of the supervisors ask for the suspensions to be paid with accrued time such as vacation, he will approve that option, he said.

For the full story, see Saturday's Vindicator or Vindy.com.