PORT TOWNSEND — A former city police officer believes his union involvement led to his dismissal from the department Nov. 28.
Officer Eric Franz said he was elected shop steward for the department about six months ago.
He served on the department for about five years.
With the advice of his domestic partner, Susan Burgos, a union officer at the Port Townsend Paper Co. mill, he began raising issues about labor practices within the police department.
His actions didn’t sit well with management, he claims.
“I didn’t do anything illegal,” he said in regard to his termination.
Police Chief Kristen Anderson declined to comment on Franz’s allegations Monday.
“It’s a touchy issue,” she said.
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