The Milwaukee Post

By EMILY TOPCZEWSKI Conley News Service MILWAUKEE — A Mil- waukee Fire and Police Commission panel unani- mously ruled that former Milwaukee Police Officer Christopher Manney will remain "permanently dis- charged'' from his position in the Milwaukee Police Department. The decision came after a five-day appeal hearing Monday. The panel also ruled that Manney violated MPD policy when patting down Dontre Hamilton in Red Arrow Park last April. The pat-down preceded his fatal shooting of Hamilton. Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn fired Manney in October after months of protests. In December, Mil- w a u k e e C o u n t y D i s t r i c t A t t o r n e y J o h n Chisholm d e c i d e d he would not face c r i m i n a l charges in the case. T h e M a r c h appeal hearing was broken into two phases, which included testimony from police experts, former co- workers, Flynn and Manney himself. In the first phase, the panel faced two ques- tions: First, did Manney vio- late MPD policy when he ini- tiated a pat-down of Hamilton — and second, did his use of force violate this same policy? The three-commisioner panel ruled "Yes'' when con- sidering both questions. In the second phase of the hearing, the panel was to consider if Manney's pun- ishment — termination from the MPD — was appro- priate. Flynn was the first to take the stand, followed by Man- ney, two MPD lieutenants and one MPD sergeant. It was the first time Manney took the stand since the fatal shooting 11 months ago. At 10 p.m. Monday eve- ning, the panel ruled that Manney's discharge would stand after closed-session deliberations. Both decisions in the appeal hearing were met by cheers and support from the family of Hamilton and their supporters. The moth- er of Hamilton, Maria, told Fox News the family plans to go on to Washington, D.C. ,next month with about 200 organizations from across the state to send a message to the federal government: that "we won't stop.'' Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett released a statement in support of the panel's decision, stating that the death of Hamilton has "shaken our community and we have much work to do." He said it is most important to "find a way for our City to heal and move forward," and shared steps the city has taken to address critical incident training and sup- port individuals with men- tal illness. Not all were pleased with the panel's unanimous deci- sion. Alderman Bob Donov- an released a statement that called the firing of Manney "ill-conceived, unwarranted and politically motivated." He called Manney the "scapegoat for the racially- charged political environ- ment we live in." Milwaukee Police Associ- ation President Mike Crivello called the firing a "travesty" in a press confer- ence held Tuesday, and that the FPC upholding the deci- sion perpetuated it. In the wake of these deci- sions, it is unknown if Manney will continue the pursuit of his old position in MPD with an appeal to the panel's ruling. March 27, 2015 • Milwaukee County Post • 3 Firing of MPD officer in Hamilton upheld by Fire and Police Commission Manney Milwaukee B rewers T icke t BP 4405 W. Loomis Layton & Loomis 282-8420 Join our Car Wash Club Every 6th Wash is FREE -Expires 4/4/15. -Expires 4/4/15. -Expires 4/4/15. While supplies last. 243189031 F F R R E E E E B B r r e e w w e e r r s s T T i i c c k k e e t t s s * * OPEN 24 Hours * Buy fuel and earn a FREE Terrace Level ticket at Miller Park. See store for details. FREE CAR WASH When You Buy Two Washes Of The Same Or Greater Value OPEN 24 Hours Fiji Bottled Water Your Choice Any Size Coffee or Cappuccino 7-Up & Dr. Pepper products FREE Car Wash w/Dr. Pepper $ 1 79 $ 24 99 12pk 79 ¢ 79 ¢ 4/$ 9 89 -Expires 4/4/15. While supplies last. -Expires 4/4/15. While supplies last. 1.5L Rock Star All Flavors 2L 24pk MEADOWMERE, WEST ALLIS We're here for you when your parents need a helping hand. Whether you're looking for a caring solution during the day while you're at work, or helping a parent make the move that offers support around the clock; our Five Star Senior Living community brings it all together for your family. EXPECT ONLY THE BEST WITH OUR APARTMENTS We have a LIMITED number of apartments available for up to 20% OFF our standard rates. Just because your budget may be a little smaller doesn't mean you have to skimp on all of our Five Star amenities! 2330 South 54th St • West Allis • 414-615-7356 • meadowmerewestallis.com 243498015

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