ORLAND PARK, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Orland Park police said investigations have led to the firing of one of their sergeants, the arrest of a retired sergeant, and a conclusion of serious internal and morale issues in the department.
Orland Park police said retired sergeant Ken Kovac is charged with disorderly conduct and false personation. He is alleged to have created two Facebook pages impersonating Deputy Chief Brian West.
The chief had witnessed demeaning comments about him on those pages. Meanwhile Orland Park Police sergeant William Sanchez has been fired. The police department said he had filed a complaint against Deputy Chief West and Chief Eric Rossi.
Sanchez alleged the two chiefs passed him over for promotions, because he’s of Mexican descent. An outside investigation determined that to be false, but upheld a complaint filed by Chief West against Sanchez.
"Police officers are correctly held to the highest standards of honesty and integrity and are expected to be always truthful. These principles are non-negotiable in the pursuit of justice and public service," the village in a statement.
"Unfortunately, the independent investigation found that Sanchez did not uphold these high standards and attempted to undermine the Police administration."
Still, the report said it’s clear Deputy Chief West’s work environment is hostile and unwelcoming.
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