Morrisville Police Chief Will Appeal Termination

MORRISVILLE, PA —The borough's longtime police chief said he would appeal his termination by Borough Council that took place at a special meeting Monday.

George McClay, speaking to Patch Friday morning while on vacation in Mexico, said that he would contest his firing while he was on vacation.

"Absolutely," said McClay, who has served as the borough's police chief for a decade. "I want everyone to have a fair shot at discussing this."

At Monday's meeting, the council voted 6-2 to terminate McClay and did not provide the public with a reason for his dismissal.

The council relieved McClay of his duties, taking disciplinary action it had considered when it had authorized a Loudermill notice against the chief.

A Loudermill notice is a form of disciplinary action in which public-sector employers may give notice to employees of their intent to suspend, demote, or terminate them.

The employee is entitled to a hearing before facing disciplinary action.

McClay previously said the borough offered him a 30-day suspension which he believed was "outrageous." McClay said he countered with a five-day suspension but that was not decided upon by the council.

On Friday morning, McClay said he hoped that an appeal would take place soon before four council members exit office after their terms are up at the end of the year.

"I expect them to get it together rather quickly with lawyers and everyone else," he said. "It's up to them to schedule it. It will be interesting to see what an independent board has to say."