Caldwell Must Give Fired Cop His Job Back, Judge Rules: Report

CALDWELL, NJ — The Borough of Caldwell must give a fired police officer his job back, as well as any money he’s due as a result of his termination, a judge recently ruled.

In 2016, Caldwell Police Lt. Michael Geary – the department's first Asian-American officer – filed notice of his intent to sue the department, claiming that he suffered under a "hostile work environment" that included ethnic slurs, such as jokes about his last name, which he legally changed from Fung after joining the force.

The department later slapped Geary with insubordination charges when he allegedly refused to turn in his badge, ID and key fob when given a notice of leave.

• See related article: Caldwell Police Seek Suspension For Cop Who Alleged Discrimination

The Caldwell Borough Council voted to terminate Geary in 2019.

However, in December, a state superior court judge reversed the earlier decision of a hearing officer. As a result, Geary must be reinstated and paid any money he’s due from the borough, which his lawyer has alleged comes to $105,000 plus benefits and attorney fees, NJ.com reported. Read the full article here.

Caldwell Council President Christine Schmidt released a statement about the case, writing that the borough is appealing the decision.

Schmidt wrote:

“After careful consideration of the court’s decision in the Geary v. Caldwell case, the borough council, during its executive session on December 29, unanimously decided to appeal the decision and file a motion for a stay. Both the borough attorney Vince Nuzzi and our attorney representing the borough, Ryan Carey, recommended this course of action.”

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