Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
PIERCETON - A public disciplinary hearing for officer Terry Cahill is set for 12:30 p.m. Nov. 22.
The hearing will continue from day-to-day and from time-to-time as needed. It also may start a little earlier according to court documents.
"John Kautzman, the attorney for officer Cahill, has a hearing in Lafayette," said Jim Walmer, the town's lawyer. "If he's ready at 12:15 p.m., we may start then. It may be a little later, too."
The town council, Jerry Kreger, Robert Tenney and Mandy Espinosa, decided on a public hearing when Cahill was suspended without pay Aug. 24.
"The hearing gives the employee an opportunity to present his side," Walmer said. "It's usually held in executive session. It's unusual for a council to have the hearing in public. I don't think they want any misunderstandings."
If the council decides to further discipline Cahill, the officer has 10 days to request an appeal to the court.
Cahill is entitled to legal council and people making statements may be cross-examined.
None of the council members or Tim Sammons, the town marshal, have made any comments about the discipline.
"He has requested a hearing and received a written list of reasons for the suspension," said town council president Jerry Kreger in September. "He can share those reasons with you, if he wishes. We cannot comment."
The suspension entitles Cahill to health insurance coverage. He was hired in December 2002 after serving the town as a reserve officer for about a year.
