Deschutes County Sheriff Shane Nelson has terminated the deputy who ran against him in the last general election. Eric Kozowski ran against Nelson in the November 2016 election, and was put on administrative leave in September 2017.
According to a DCSO press release, Kozowski was terminated based on internal investigations that concluded he violated Sheriff’s Office policies.
Another member of the Sheriff’s team, Corrections Sergeant Mike Nolan will face personnel action as a result of an internal affairs investigation to the sergeant.
The sheriff said in a press release: “I expect members of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office to adhere to the mission and values of this office. I will continue to enforce the highest standards of professionalism and conduct at the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office.”
According to an article in the Seattle Times, Kozowski’s lawyer said the firing was retaliatory and he plans to sue. Michael McGean, Kozowski’s attorney, said Kozowski was fired for wearing a uniform while campaigning.
This article appears in Jan 31 – Feb 7, 2018.
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The County and its legal counsel reviewed the independent investigation conducted by the Oregon Department of Justice and determined the employee should be terminated.
Nelson has no control or say in such matters once legal takes over.
The Media has been consistent to date in failing to do proper research in its reporting. Get it right, Junior Journalists.
And reread the Canons of Journalism, the Ethos of your craft.