Struthers officer fired over OVI charge awaits decision on license

STRUTHERS

An arbitrator heard arguments Friday over whether a fired Struthers police officer should be reinstated, and the officer may learn soon whether his driver’s license will be suspended.

The Ohio Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association requested the arbitration for Daniel Lamping, a seven-year full-time member of the city force who was fired in July after an arrest on a charge of operating a vehicle impaired.

Lamping had filed a grievance, saying the city didn’t have just cause because he hasn’t been convicted.

Struthers Mayor Terry Stocker said Friday that the arbitrator will give a decision in January. Stocker said he cannot discuss what took place at the hearing.

Lamping pleaded innocent to OVI at his arraignment July 19 in Mahoning County Area Court in Boardman. His next court appearance is set for Oct. 30, when the court might rule on a suspension of his driver’s license. He has driven without restrictions since his arraignment, when the court granted a postponement of an administrative license-suspension hearing.

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