Morrisville police chief to fight termination. Appeal to be considered in public meeting

Morrisville’s former police chief plans to fight his recent termination, which will give the public its first opportunity to learn about the charges the borough council filed against him leading to his ouster.

On Thursday George McClay said he will appeal his termination to the Civil Service Commission and request a public hearing.

In a statement, McClay, who has been the riverfront borough’s  chief since 2014, said he refutes and denies any charges that led to the council voting 6-2 to “immediately” terminate him on Nov. 13.

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“I stand firm that I have always maintained a high-quality work ethic and my actions have consistently demonstrated a commitment to the safety of the citizens of Morrisville Borough and my police officers,” McClay wrote.

McClay added he was disappointed that the council decided to take action against him while he was away on a preplanned anniversary trip.

“It reflects poorly on the ethics and credibility of this council that they were unable to issue the termination to my face personally,” he wrote, calling the decision politically motivated.

The reasons surrounding the conflicts between McClay and council have not been publicly disclosed, though they have been a frequent topic of discussion during public comment at recent council meetings.

Council first took action against McClay in July when it voted 6-2 to issue formal notice directed at McClay that charges had been filed against him that could result in the borough taking employment action against him.

The Council again voted 6-2 last month to issue a second formal notice to McClay outlining reasons for potential employment action against him.

Council members did not provide an explanation for why it terminated McClay on Monday.  McClay did not respond to questions asking what reasons the council gave him.

In an email, Morrisville Council President Bob Paul, who voted with the majority to terminate McClay, did not provide an answer for what concerns led to McClay’s termination.

“Following serious consideration of personnel-related matters that are not subject to public disclosure, Council voted to terminate the employment of the Chief of Police. Disclosure of such matters would undermine the privacy rights of the individuals involved and the integrity of the process itself,” Paul wrote.

At a recent meeting, the chief was criticized for reaching out to a district judge to request a hearing continuance on behalf of former Mayor Brud Anderson, who is charged in a hit-and-run case from earlier this year.

Also, at least two borough women have alleged McClay confronted them about their social media posts which he deemed critical of the police department. The woman said they found McClay's alleged action inappropriate for his position .

The chief’s supporters, who have spoken at board meetings, have described McClay as a compassionate and direct professional who runs an efficient and effective department with an open-door policy for residents.  They also praised McClay for reducing crime in the borough.

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This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Morrisville police chief wants public hearing to appeal termination