By: Hannah Vahl , Staff writer
12/16/2008
MADISON-Fired police officer Daniel Hedges has filed notice of intent to sue the town for damages in excess of $15,000 for complaints ranging from a breach of medical records confidentiality to attempts on the part of the police department and town to cause him emotional distress.
Dated Dec. 2, the notice of intent names the Town of Madison, the Madison Police Commission, and the "agents thereof" as liable for the damages.
Hedges, a 15-year veteran of the Madison Police Department and a former Marine, was unanimously terminated in May for charges ranging from taking unauthorized medical leave to throwing a loaded service weapon at a supervisor.
Hedges' attorney Edmond Clark said that he would "more than likely" be taking the action of suing the town right after Jan. 1.
"Officer Hedges had attempted to...achieve a satisfactory settlement on these issues prior to his filing of a complaint with the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities and the filing of this letter of intent," said Clark.
Hedges has appealed his termination to the State Board of Mediation and Arbitration.
Town Attorney Bill Clendenen said, "He (Hedges) has made certain allegations, and it is up to him to prove it. The evidence was all presented (at the termination hearings) and the police commission ruled unanimously that he had violated numerous regulations and provisions, including multiple counts of untruthfulness. The town is prepared to defend that decision. He had a full, due process hearing."
Clendenen said he was not aware of any other fired officers suing the town. He declined to comment on any attempts to settle with Hedges.
The notice of intent to sue claims that members of the police department and agents of the town "collaborated in a scheme to defame (Hedges) on countless occasions by statements made to the press and statements made in public hearings that were designed to attack his character."
It also claims discrimination because Hedges was placed on unpaid leave for one year while others under investigation remained on paid administrative leave.
Other claims include that the police department and the town were guilty of "significant violations" of Hedges' right to due process for reasons including the "flagrant decisions of the Police Commission and its chair during administrative hearing" and the "role and decisions of the Town Attorney in the hearing process."
Board of Police Commissioners Chair Emile Geisenheimer declined to commment, saying he had not seen the notice of intent.
Hannah Vahl can be reached at 752-2716 or hvahl@ctcentral.com
©Shore Line Times 2008