Hearing set for Zigler (02/17/06)

DUNKIRK — A two-year veteran of the city police department will appeal charges calling for his dismissal at a special meeting next week of the Dunkirk Board of Works and Public Safety.

The hearing for Patrolman Jon C. Zigler, 23, is set for 3 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21, in Dunkirk City Hall. He will be allowed to be represented by an attorney and entitled to present evidence and cross-examine witnesses, Dunkirk city attorney William Hinkle said.

Dunkirk Police Chief Arnold Clevenger said that Zigler is being charged with several violations of departmental regulations including neglect of duty, violation of rules, neglect or disobedience of orders and incapacity.

Zigler has been suspended from the department without pay, pending the outcome of the hearing.

Clevenger said Zigler has also turned in his gun and badge, pending the outcome of Tuesday’s hearing.

Clevenger said some of the specific problems involved failure to complete paperwork in a timely manner, failure to show up at court appearances after being subpoenaed, failing to follow a direct order, failing to follow standard operating procedures of the department, and falsifying information, Clevenger said.

The police chief added that Zigler had previously received two letters of reprimand, one suspension and some verbal warnings.

Acting as hearing officers in this matter will be the three members of the city Board of Works and Public Safety — Mayor Sam Hubbard and council members Craig Faulkner and James Doughty.

Following the Feb. 21 hearing, the board members will make a decision to either dismiss or re-instate Zigler to the police force.

When he originally joined the Dunkirk Police Department, Zigler was living in Dunkirk. However, he has since moved to Saratoga.

Attempts by The Commercial Review to reach Zigler for a comment were unsuccessful.[[In-content Ad]]