Date: Fri 18-Sep-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: ANDYG

Quick Words:

Police-Commission-Candia

Full Text:

Commission Fires Police Officer

BY ANDREW GOROSKO

The Police Commission voted around 3:30 am Thursday to terminate the

employment of Patrol Officer Thomas Candia, Jr, after finding that he violated

the police department's rules and regulations.

The commission's action came at the end of an eight-hour open meeting at which

the Police Commission presented evidence and Mr Candia and his attorney

refuted the claims, said Police Commission member James Reilly. The meeting

was conducted in open session at Mr Candia's request.

Four commission members voted in favor of termination and one abstained, Mr

Reilly said. Voting to terminate were Chairman Robert Connor, Jr, Carol

Mattegat, Charles Pilchard and Mr Reilly. Member William Meyer abstained.

The vote to terminate came on the recommendation of Police Chief James E.

Lysgaht, Jr.

The commission considered a dozen charges made against Mr Candia involving

three separate incidents, Mr Reilly said.

Mr Reilly said the commission found that Mr Candia made an untrue statement to

the Police Commission regarding a traffic accident; that he left his patrol

sector without the approval of a supervisor; and that he made an untrue

statement to a sergeant, captain, and the police chief.

The charges against Mr Candia involved disobeying orders, his truthfulness,

and making disparaging comments to a supervisor, Mr Reilly said.

An allegation of sexual harassment was found to be unproven, Mr Reilly said.

Mr Candia's attorney called on seven police department personnel to testify at

the proceeding, Mr Reilly said. Mr Candia couldn't be reached for comment. Mr

Connor wasn't available for comment.

Mr Candia took his oath of office as a patrolman in January. He was still on

the police department's one-year probationary period.

Mr Candia, who is about 30 years old, graduated from West Haven High School

and has worked as a part-time patrolman in Westport.