Struthers captains file grievances over suspensions

STRUTHERS

Two Struthers police captains have filed grievances to contest disciplinary action handed down by the city in the Sept. 10 hanging death of inmate Peter Bugno, 43.

The grievances, dated Tuesday, seek full reinstatement for each officer with back pay reimbursed. The grievances contend the suspensions outweigh the charges and that the punishment did not follow a union contract policy of progressive discipline.

Notices sent to Capts. Michael Leonard and Patrick Bundy inform them they have each received 17-day unpaid suspensions for neglect of duty. The suspension notices are dated Feb. 19 and signed by Mayor Terry Stocker and Safety/Service Director Ed Wildes.

The city announced an internal investigation into police conduct before Bugno’s death in a Jan. 22 news release.

On Feb. 3, city officials charged Leonard with three counts of neglect of duty and Bundy with one count of neglect of duty.

Read more about the case in Saturday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.