Police chief's future remains in question
DARIEN — Still no word on when—or if—the village of Darien police chief will get back to work.
But the village board Wednesday night instructed a village attorney to open a dialogue on the matter.
After a 90-minute closed session Wednesday night, the board in open session unanimously voted to do two things:
-- Instruct Hazelbacker & Associates law firm to call Police Chief Steve DeVoy's attorney as well as Darien police officer Chet Wilson or Wilson's attorney. The village attorney is to talk to both parties about "a possible resolution to their employment with the village of Darien."
-- Hold another closed session at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 5, at the Darien Public Library, 47 Park St., Darien.
The purpose of Wednesday's closed session was for the board to learn the results of Hazelbacker & Associates' investigation into two surveillance cameras found by village employees Dec. 1.
Shortly after the cameras were found, DeVoy was suspended with pay.
DeVoy told The Janesville Gazette by telephone Wednesday night that he wants to get back to work.
While he'd hoped the board would vote to bring him back to work, a planned call to his attorney is "a step in the right direction," DeVoy said.
"If that's what it takes, I'm sure my attorney will be glad to hear from them and talk to them," DeVoy said.
DeVoy and his attorney have said the chief is poised to sue the village if he doesn't get back to work.
DeVoy did not know why the board made officer Wilson part of the discussion Wednesday night, and the board wasn't talking.
"I can't give you any comments except what you heard here (in open session)," village board President Bob Metzner said.
The Gazette was unable to reach Wilson for comment.
Board members Craig McCue, Allen Kenyon, Kurt Zipp and Phil Putman told the Gazette that Wilson is a full-time officer and has worked for the village for six years.
Wilson was one of three officers who last spring interviewed for a promotion to sergeant. An ad hoc committee of five Walworth County law enforcement agents and Zipp interviewed the officers.
DeVoy recommended the board promote Wilson, but the board voted in June to promote Mike Maltese instead.
Maltese has been the acting chief since DeVoy's suspension.
Mar 22, 2009 at 3:08 p.m.
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urojamb1: The truth might be far from Maltese's lips, but it certainly isn't far from yours!! LOVE IT...especially the ego and scaredy cat parts!
Mar 13, 2009 at 12:22 p.m.
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Chief Terry Morris was caught working @ his family's gas station in Footville when he was supposed to be on duty...
Mar 12, 2009 at 12:09 p.m.
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justsaynotomath, Really think that maltease wasnt involved? Do you really think or know what really happened.none of know for sure, but those who know maltease know that the truth is far from his lips. I know for a fact that maltease stayed in his house,in Orfy,while on duty because he was scared.I know he wouldnt go on calls because he might get beat up. Yes did the Chief do wrong in somethings,but come on nothing was proven beside the little stuff. maltease wanted that chiefs job, but never got it! Come on everyone who puts on a uniform lives in a glass house. Just think the buddy of maltease who was the attorney against morris and was for the Village , is the same Attorney that now knows what a piece maltese is and his lies. maltease is the problem, he will do whatever it takes to be chief. with no education, some college an ego and a badge doesnt qualify you to be chief. maltease is a looser and you will see his true colors watch Darien, Darien will be brought to its knees because of him, families will be divided, friends lost forever, towns people will not have trust in the Police for a while, all because someone has little man syndrom. Just ask the few of us who have had the unlucky experience to work with him. Yes I know him and the type, I see it all the time. Look at Orfy, see what happened, Look at Footville see what happened, history will repeat itself, there are great people in these towns and have nightmires because of maltease. he ruins lives and then he leaves the town a mess and goes to ruin another town. Come on, Do you not think that in one year maltese went from part-time to acting chief because of his resume, what really happen, only maltease knows, he has to live with his lies. when lies are made up by maltease you will see them after the smoke is cleared. Anything that boy says should be investigated to its fullist. If you ever gotten a ticket from him, go to court, he will loose. Good Luck Darien with him as Chief, your going to need it. The Officer's in Darien, Good luck, stay Union and your going to need an attorney too, with him he will go after each one of you. The only ones doing any good in Darien are the Attorney's!
Mar 11, 2009 at 6:02 a.m.
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woops wrong one... http://gazettextra.com/news/2008/jul/25/...
Mar 11, 2009 at 6:01 a.m.
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http://gazettextra.com/news/2009/feb/26/...
Mar 5, 2009 at 7:22 a.m.
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People research your acting chief of police. He cost the Village of Orfordville lots of money in legal fees. I wouldnt be surprised that he told the others about the cameras. Give Maltease the title of Chief, you will take it back within months. Just reasearch his name...watch yourselves your Village is a risk
Mar 5, 2009 at 7:06 a.m.
Feb 28, 2009 at 12:46 p.m.
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I would like to know why the comments have been disabled when the article talks about the board members??
They are corrupt, and us citizens have a right to be outraged!
WE are paying a village clerk/treasurer/administrator (with such a big title, that's why he has to have Mary there to take notes) a HUGE salary $55K, and he is now suing us?? Because for 6 hours on his 1st day his 4th amendment rights were violated?? Give me a freakin break Marc! and Mary you should feel sooo ashamed of yourself!
Feb 28, 2009 at 5:09 a.m.
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http://www.lwm-info.org/index.asp?Type=B...
Feb 27, 2009 at 6:12 p.m.
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damn straight
Feb 26, 2009 at 8:33 p.m.
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ResponsibleCitizen and coyote: Ditto
Feb 26, 2009 at 11:52 a.m.
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AMEN
Feb 26, 2009 at 11:38 a.m.
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I surely hope Chief DeVoy is back to work soon, this whole business reeks. April elections cannot come soon enough; it is time to clean house and elect some people who are willing to work for the betterment of Darien, not just for their own personal agenda.
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