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Officer investigated resigns
By jeanne starmack
GIRARD
A Girard patrol officer who resigned Monday was under investigation over a violation of police-department procedure, Police Chief Jeff Palmer said Tuesday.
Officer Larry Neely, who was with the department for six years, submitted his resignation Monday.
Palmer said Wednesday that Neely’s latest departmental procedure violation occurred Aug. 1. He said it regards Neely’s handling of a call and is strictly procedural. No one outside the department complained.
Neely had an extensive disciplinary record with the department, and he was under a “last-chance” agreement with the city.
That agreement was reached in March after disciplinary hearings regarding underage drinking parties taking place at a garage at his Mosier Road house.
Neely was not at home during those parties, one of which police raided Feb. 8. He never faced any criminal charges over them.
He also had a 10-day suspension for not answering two calls in one night from a dispatcher in his disciplinary record.
Palmer said he would not be more specific about the latest violation because the investigation is still open. Neely resigned before it could be resolved.
He said Neely was not given the choice of resigning or being fired. The investigation had not proceeded to a disciplinary phase, he said.
Neely’s letter of resignation says only that he is resigning for personal reasons.
“I’ve enjoyed working for the city and thank your for the opportunity,” it reads. “I wish the Girard Police Department all the best in the future.”