The city of Whitehall settled a dispute between a former police officer who was fired last year, leading to a fight with the Fraternal Order of Police Capital City Lodge.
Whitehall Division of Police officer Enrique Ortega was fired by the city less than one year ago after he conducted a survey that was critical of Police Chief Michael Crispen. Ortega was the union's grievance officer for the department.
The FOP announced an agreement between the city and Ortega in a press release issued Monday. The FOP said in a statement that as part of the agreement, Ortega's termination will be rescinded, he will receive more back pay than he would have been eligible for in an arbitration award, and he will be able to retire from the Whitehall Division of Police in good standing.
The FOP said Ortega's name will also be permanently honored on the department's retiree plaque, recognizing his dedicated service to the Whitehall community.
Ortega had worked for the department since 2008. FOP President Brian Steel said Ortega now works at the Mifflin Township Police Department.
Crispen said in a statement to WOSU that the agreement satisfies the city and the police union and it ensures a resolution that upholds the integrity of the Whitehall Division of Police.
"While resignation was always an option, the ultimate agreement reflects our commitment to maintaining a professional and accountable workplace," Crispen said. "We appreciate the FOP’s recognition of the agreement, and we are likewise confident that this outcome is in the best interest of all involved. Ultimately, we determined that (Ortega's) continued employment was not in the organization's best interest, and he will not be returning."
Steel said in a statement Ortega only found himself in this situation because he spoke out against "a hostile, retaliatory, and toxic management culture."
"This victory does not surprise me. There are some bad cops out there, and I believe in weeding them out, but Enrique Ortega isn't one of them," Steel said.
Steel said Ortega knew he was wrongfully terminated for his union activity, and now Ortega can put this behind him.
Steel also said Ortega stood up against pressure to issue citations and arrests targeting marginalized community members, and in doing so, paid a price for his integrity.
Ortega's firing caused a deep rift between the FOP and the Whitehall Division of Police.
Steel was investigated by the department for allegedly placing a bumper sticker reading "I SUPPORT OFFICER ORTEGA" on a car driven by Van Gregg, the city's public safety director, last year. The city attorney's office did not pursue criminal charges related to the incident.
Whitehall city officials and the FOP are still litigating the firing of Whitehall police officer Brooke Cano, who was another union grievance officer. Cano was accused by the department of falsifying evidence when she arrested a woman last year.
Steel said he does not expect a different outcome for Cano. He also stated that process is about to enter arbitration.
