Former Sturgeon police chief argues for job back

The city of Sturgeon said it does not want its former police chief to be reinstated Tuesday morning during a court hearing.

Instead, Michael Berry, the city’s attorney, asked a Boone County judge if the city’s Board of Aldermen can now go through the proper procedure to officially terminate Greg Halderman as Sturgeon’s police chief.

Halderman was fired as Sturgeon police chief after city council voted 3-1 to fire him, claiming he abused alcohol and behaved inappropriately toward some jail inmates. A judge ruled on Jan. 8 that the city’s closed-door meeting in March 2017, which resulted in Halderman’s termination, did not follow proper procedure according to state law.

Andy Hirth, Halderman’s attorney, said reinstating Halderman before any possible future steps would be the best option. It would give Halderman his job back and allow the city to go through the proper procedures if it chooses to do so.

Berry said awarding damages would be premature because the city hasn’t held a proper hearing to formally terminate Halderman.

The judge ended the hearing with a motion that both parties would discuss relief, damages and further proceedings. The judge will read the briefs posted by the attorneys and will take action, if necessary.