Judge hears arguments in Sturgeon police chief lawsuit

A Boone County judge is considering the case of a former police chief suing the city he used to work for after hearing arguments Monday.

Boone County Court before Judge Jeff Harris heard arguments over a motion for partial summary judgment in a lawsuit brought by former Sturgeon Police Chief Greg Halderman.

The Sturgeon Board of Aldermen voted 3-1 in March 2017 to fire Halderman, citing reports of alcohol abuse and inappropriate behavior. An administrative hearing was held behind closed doors, but the vote was made public afterward.

Halderman’s attorney, Andy Hirth, said Monday that the board attempted to oust Halderman by using a statute created in 2013. He said the statute was meant to protect police chiefs by granting due process and notice of hearing before removal. However, he said, Halderman’s removal process was insufficient.

The city did not give the chief procedural protections, Hirth said.

“It didn’t make a transcript, it didn’t let him cross examine witnesses and all of those things we argue make what’s called a contested case and therefore the court should reverse it,” he said.

City of Sturgeon attorney Marshall Wilson said Sturgeon followed all the requirements set forth in the statute. He said Halderman is asking for additional procedures that are not required.

“If the judge decides on this motion that we followed all requirements of the General Assembly then the wrongful termination count I think would go away,” Wilson said.

He said he doesn’t believe Halderman will ever regain his position as chief.

“I think that bridge has been burned,” Wilson said. “The outcome of this case, worst case or best case, I don’t see Mr. Halderman back as chief in Sturgeon.”

The judge took the motion under advisement and did not give a date for a decision.

Each party has a deadline of Dec. 18 to request a trial setting.