(Sioux City)– Another former Spirit Lake police officer is suing the city, Police Chief Jon Martyr and Mayor Eric Nielsen.
In his suit, Larry Moorhead contests the elimination of the Captain’s position, which he held. It resulted in him becoming a patrolman. The change was made in May of this year. Moorhead retired from the department in July.
The suit refers to a February 6th meeting Moorhead and fellow officer Doug Ricke had with the city’s Administrative Committee regarding alleged mismanagement in the police department. Dan Thomsen, who was Chief of Police at the time of the allegations, resigned in March. Martyr was hired as his successor.
The suit lists several issues, including Moorhead’s change in ranking; loss of personal assignment of a squad car; a reassignment of duty hours and loss of responsibility as a duty officer; a loss of authority and assignment concerning the Iowa Great Lakes Drug Task Force; an inability to stop “antics and interference by other employees with the duties as a sworn police officer”; and instructions by the Administrative Committee to replace him as a sworn police officer.
Moorhead requests compensation for loss of income and benefits…both past and future; injury to reputation, humiliation and embarrassment. He also seeks compensation for court costs, and requests a jury trial.
Spirit Lake attorney Jim Clarity is representing the city. He says the city plans to vigorously defend itself and that they believe the suit has no merit.
Former police officer Doug Ricke is also suing the city, claiming he was wrongfully terminated for whistleblowing.
