Marissa Yaremich, Register Staff 07/16/2005
WEST HAVEN — Rather than risk being fired for a recent felony conviction, emergency dispatcher John McDonough resigned from his post, his supervisor said.
McDonough’s resignation was effective June 30, confirmed his supervisor, West Haven Fire Chief William S. Johnson Jr.
"John McDonough’s resigned from the Emergency Reporting System," Johnson said. "Case closed."
The former veteran dispatcher — no relation to police Sgt. John McDonough — pleaded guilty Dec. 2 to one federal charge of conspiring to conduct illegal gambling businesses with the Patriarca organized-crime family.
Authorities arrested McDonough based on an intercepted call in 2002, during which he and Anthony J. Ascenzia Jr. discussed splitting about $19,000 in proceeds from the bookmaking operation. McDonough received $5,000, according to court records.
His criminal record put him in a tight spot when the ERS and police dispatchers consolidated inside police headquarters June 21. As a felon, McDonough can’t have access to sensitive police data and software programs, which is necessary to perform telecommunication duties.
Johnson said McDonough resigned before a disciplinary hearing board composed of employer representatives convened to hear his "side of the story."
The dispatchers’ employer, as defined by union contract, consists of one commissioner from each of the three fire districts, the city personnel director and Johnson.
Johnson said he is sorry to see the nine-year dispatcher leave.
"He was a competent dispatcher and a good employee," Johnson said.
New Haven attorney Chip Walsh, who handled McDonough’s employment issues, did not immediately return messages Friday.
McDonough’s post has already been filled by former part-time dispatcher Julius Biehler. The dispatcher contract requires that all full-time communicator openings be offered first to part-time, or "utility," dispatchers.
Johnson said the hearing board wasn’t leaning toward or against firing McDonough before his resignation because all the facts hadn’t been scrutinized.
"(We) couldn’t just arbitrarily fire him," Johnson said of the process.
Since this is the city’s first experience with a convicted dispatcher, Johnson said the employers might incorporate a policy standard in their contract when it expires June 30, 2007. However, he said they must first review relevant state laws.
Marissa Yaremich can be reached at myaremich@nhregister.comor 789-5742.
İNew Haven Register 2005