Township Settles Lawsuit With Officer

A suit alleging insults, threatening gestures and vindictive behavior by outgoing Springfield Police Chief William Chisholm was settled out of court this week. The township agreed to a $22,500 payment to Springfield Police Sergeant Bill Fine to avoid taking the matter to court.

The suit (available as a PDF document here) alleges that Chisholm habitually insulted Fine, created a hostile work environment and prevented Fine from career advancement within the force. Fine claims that Chisholm singled him out for abuse, and that the chief took actions to sabotage his career.

In the legal document, Fine alleges that Chisholm created an "extremely terrible/unbearable hostile work environment" and enumerates specific incidents of that hostility. Fine alleges that Chisholm called him a "goofball" and "immature" in front of other officers and accused Fine of using illegal steroids. The suit also cites an alleged instance where Chisholm used the back of his hand to make a "whip" gesture towards Fine's neck.

The suit alleges that Chisholm kept Fine's personnel records separate from other officers' and tampered with Fine's records. In addition, Fine accuses Chisholm of working behind the scenes to hinder Fine's attempts at volunteering for the township's office of emergency management and as an EMT.

The resolution authorizing the settlement payment, passed by the township committee on March 23, says the payment is being made to avoid further legal fees, and that the Township does not admit liability or responsibility.

Chisholm, who has been criticized by his force's PBA, announced his retirement earlier this year. His last day on the job will be April 1.