Embattled Bethlehem police officer Chris Hughes tells The Spotlight that he was the individual that placed signs that read Stop workplace violence at Bethlehem Police dispatch throughout the town and along the Memorial Day parade route early Monday morning, May 30.
Hughes said he did so in order to shed light on the actions of dispatcher Eric Kerr, who was suspended from the department last month. Kerr was arrested last year after allegedly pointing a handgun at an ex-girlfriend, but the charges were dismissed after the Albany County District Attorney’s office was `unable to satisfy the burden of proof without the testimony of witnesses in the case.`
Selkirk Fire Department District Chief Bill Asprion said he has received calls about a sign that was placed in front of the fire station and would like to remind residents that the fire department is not involved in any way.
`The Selkirk Fire District doesn’t endorse or condone the message in the signs,` he said.
Hughes has been the subject of controversy in Bethlehem after blowing the whistle on a racial slur used by Police Chief Louis Corsi, being placed on disability leave from the force and then filing a lawsuit against the town and police department for full reinstatement, a clean disciplinary record and compensation for damages.
Hughes tells The Spotlight that police have removed the signs from public property and that he will seek either their replacement or return to him.
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Photos by Tom Heffernan Sr./Spotlight
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