6/5/1995 BOARD OF SELECTMEN Minutes

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r i To: Chief Przybylek . From: Patrolman john P. Dami Dow. �ittG itr, i�7J Fe: Incident of May 28, 1995 I was on duty on the 3 p.m. - 11 p.m. on May 2 S, 19 95, the evening of the incident with the two Part-time Public Safety Dispatchers'Te:ceira and Finkle. I was in the Dispatch area shortly after 1900 hours when the 12 am dispatcher called in sick for the upcoming shift. Sgt. Umina was in the Dispatch area as were both above-named Dispatchers. Sgt. Umina related that since he had exhausted all means to MI the shin, he would have to order one of them to stay over for another shift. This was done at least four (4) hours prior to the 12 a.m. shift. Both individuals stated that even if ordered, they would not stay over. Sgt. Umina then stated more than once, ..."if I order one of you to stay,you will refuse?"Both stated they would not stay. Sgt. Umina then left the Dispatch area and I spoke with both them. I told them that if they refused to work, it would be disobeying a direct order, and if I were the Watch Commander, a report would be forwarded to the Chief for the refusal. Finkle then stated, "He can't order me to stay over-I am not a police officer." I informed him.and Dispatcher Texeira that they are part of the paramilitary-lam organization of the Police Department and subject to direct orders just like police officers. Both stated again that they would not be held over even if ordered. Both of their attitudes toward Sgt. Umina and his request bothered me a great deal, as both a veteran and as a Police officer for more than twenty years. In fact,on that very same evening I was held over by Sgt. Un ina because the 3 p.m. _ I I p.m.. shift was very busy prior to the shift change. I have always obeyed lawful orders my entire life and feel that both Dispatchers should be for failure to do so. R y submitted, F. 2 i Patrolman John P.Dami cc: Board of Selectmen Sgt. Umin.a