Have you been following the saga of Sgt. Steve Gorski of the Woodstock Police Department?
First, let me say that I don't know him. I've only met him once, and our conversation lasted less than five minutes. During that time he treated me respectfully, professionally and politely.
The Woodstock Police Department is attempting to terminate his employment because he tested positive for drugs in his system. Let's be clear about what drugs. They were prescription drugs administered by his physician to control pain for an injury. I believe it was an on-the-job injury.
My attention was called to his situation a short time back when Sgt. Gorski appealed to the Police and Fire Commission of the City. The Police Department presented its information to the Commission, and then the Commission was asked to issue a directed verdict in favor of Sgt. Gorski. This was done before Sgt. Gorski ever presented any information at the hearing.
What is a directed verdict? Basically, it means that the plaintiff (here, the City) has not proven its case. The hearing panel did not even want to hear what Sgt. Gorski had to say. Based on the information presented by the City, the evidence was insufficient for the panel to uphold the City.
In other words, the City's case didn't hold water in the opinion of the Commission. At that point, legal action should have stopped. But did it?
No, it didn't. The Police Department is appealing the decision of the Commission in court. Who pays for this? The residents of Woodstock, who pay for the police department. Is this a good use of City funds (not in any great abundance at this time...)? Or should the Police Department accept the finding of the hearing and permit Sgt. Gorski to return to work when he is able to perform the functions of his position?
There is a Gorski in McHenry whose letters are being published regularly in the Northwest Herald. These letters should not be ignored.
What is the purpose of a Commission in the City of Woodstock? Are they window dressing only? Or are they the representatives of the public who serve an important position in the world of checks-and-balances? The next City Council meeting is Tuesday, June 17, 7:00PM. If you have an opinion about the purpose and usefulness of a Commission and whether a City Department should respect the decision of a Commission, this might be a good meeting to attend.
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Keep digging Gus. That's all I can say. I know Sgt. Gorski personally for the past 19years. This was all a setup made by Chief Lowen, Janelle Crowley (Human Resource Manager) and Tim Clifton (City Manager) to rid the city of Sgt. Gorski in order to discredit him due to ongoing legal action against the City in which he may be a witness, and the City won't like what he would say.
He is still recovering from his back surgery, and thanks to the City ignoring it's own board of Police Commissioners, he hasn't been paid since October of 2007 I believe. He has 3 daughters under the age of 12 to feed/clothe etc. Real nice. Anyway, you are definately on the right track. Steve wants to tell his side of this story real bad, and it will all come out soon I hope, as there is pending civil right violations lawsuits coming as well possible federal and state CRIMINAL law violations made by Chief Lowen and Janelle Crowley. He has kept his mouth shut, and only allowed his Attorney's to speak for him so far.
Funny how when the City had there first hearing they didn't close it to protect Sgt. Gorski's medical records as protected by HIPPA, but they got to spew their charges against him which were printed in the paper making him sound terrible. Then at the 2nd hearing and everyone after that the City moved to close the hearings to protect Steve's medical records was their reason. The truth is, they didn't want their pile of horsedung made public. Keep digging Gus! Ask the Cops, they probably won't say much because they also have been paying attention to this joke, and don't want to get in Chief Lowen's crosshairs. Talk to Carpentersville citizens and Cops. You'll be very intertested in what you will find out. Chief Lowen and the City have alot to "hide".
Sgt. Gorski has been a Cop for 19years now, and suffered 2 work related back injuries while on duty, and the City at first covered him under workers comp, but now poof it ends. Anyway Gus, keep digging. You picked a hell of great story that will end up being very costly and some people looking for new jobs. You are on the right track.
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