Police Commission terminates two officers

#Middlebury #MiddleburyPoliceDepartment

The Middlebury Police Commission voted tonight (Monday, July 8) to terminate police officers Alton Cronin and Randy Ireland for “serious misconduct.” The votes (one for each officer) came following an executive session that lasted for about an hour and a half. The two officers and their attorney, Elliot Spector, attended the Loudermill hearing during the first part of the executive session and then stepped outside the building while the commission deliberated.

Wikipedia says a Loudermill hearing is part of the due process requirement that must be provided to a public employee prior to terminating or impacting their employment. The purpose of a Loudermill hearing is to provide an employee an opportunity to present their side of the story before the employer makes a decision on discipline.

Prior to the hearing, the employee must be given a Loudermill letter, i.e., specific written notice of the charges and an explanation of the employer’s evidence so that the employee can provide a meaningful response and an opportunity to correct factual mistakes in the investigation and to address the type of discipline being considered. It is our understanding this was done. However, Spector said 11 of the 13 allegations outlined in the notice were withdrawn before the hearing began.

After the executive session concluded, Commissioner Fran Barton made two separate motions to terminate the two officers, first Cronin and then Ireland. Each motion was seconded by Commissioner Cipriano. There was no discussion on either motion. Both motions passed unanimously.

Spector said the two officers would like to get their personal effects from the police station, and Chief Fran Dabbo said they could do so any time.

Further developments are expected and will be reported as they happen.