Nov. 30--A Dickson City police officer facing criminal charges for allegedly shooting a deer in his backyard last month was terminated Monday night by a unanimous vote during a special meeting of borough council.
Council President Barbara Mecca said the motion to terminate Officer Thomas Logan cited "neglect or violation of his judicial duties and conduct unbecoming an officer pursuant to the borough code" and was passed unanimously during the meeting, which she said was convened primarily to deal with the issue.
Ms. Mecca declined to comment specifically on the cause to terminate Mr. Logan. The former officer of 16 years with the Dickson City Police Department had already been suspended three times this year and recently found himself on the opposite side of the law, facing charges for allegedly shooting a deer illegally in his backyard.
Mr. Logan was first suspended for one day on June 14 for failing to follow a direct order, Police Chief William Bilinski said at the time.
Mr. Logan was again suspended for 15 days on Oct. 25 for neglect or violation of his official duties and conduct unbecoming an officer.
Then, Ms. Mecca said, on Nov. 23 Mr. Logan was suspended indefinitely by Mayor Anthony Zaleski.
The day after receiving his 15-day suspension in October, Mr. Logan allegedly shot a five-point buck in his backyard and was charged with two counts of false reports to law enforcement and one count each of disorderly conduct, unlawful killing or taking of big game, unlawful taking or possession of game or wildlife and hunting without securing a license.
Mr. Logan initially denied shooting the animal when questioned by a wildlife commission officer who found blood and hair on Mr. Logan's ATV, but later admitted to shooting the deer, according to a criminal complaint.
Citing the advice of counsel, Ms. Mecca declined to comment on whether the criminal charges affected council's decision to terminate Mr. Logan as he has the right to appeal the decision.
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Copyright 2011 - The Times-Tribune, Scranton, Pa.
