By Police1 Staff
CHICAGO — A Cook County judge set a hearing for May 22 to possibly decide whether or not a former Lynwood police officer will get his job back.
Joseph Marigliano was fired over a December 2012 incident in which his cruiser was stolen by a suspect and wrecked following a foot pursuit.
Marigliano told Police1 that another officer at the scene of the pursuit was on the ground, and Marigliano ran to his aid to ensure he wasn’t hurt when the suspect doubled back and hopped into the idling cruiser.
Judge Mary L. Mikva ruled earlier this year that the Lynwood Police and Fire Board did not have the authority to fire Marigliano, but could discipline him. The Police Board met again last week and decided its original ruling to terminate Marigliano’s employment would stand.
Marigliano argued that he acted in an emergency situation and that there is no rule mandating the use of the cruiser’s lockout switch, which prevents unauthorized drivers from operating the car.
The board ruled that Marigliano failed to comport with both the Code of Conduct and the Patrol Operation.
If Judge Mikva rules against the board again, the matter will go to the Illinois appellate courts.