ASHLAND —
A former Greenup police officer has filed a lawsuit against the city alleging wrongful termination.
In his suit, filed Thursday in Greenup Circuit Court, Dennis Cochran claims he was let go last year while on medical leave for a work-related injury.
Cochran maintains in the suit that he was an “exemplary employee” during his 10 years with the Greenup Police Department and that his firing was unjustified.
The suit, filed on Cochran’s behalf by attorney Kenneth Reed of Ludlow, seeks compensatory damages, attorney fees and a jury trial.
According to the suit, Cochran — who held the rank of sergeant with Greenup’s three-man police department — hired on with the GPD in 2001. On July 4, 2007, he was injured in an auto accident while responding to a request for backup from the Greenup County Sheriff’s Department, the suit states.
Cochran informed his supervisor, police Chief Roger Russell, and then-Greenup City Clerk Vicky Heineman of his injury, but no worker’s compensation claim was ever opened, the complaint states.
Last year, according to the suit, Cochran began experiencing severe neck pain. An examination revealed two of the disks in his neck were severely damaged and four disks had almost completely deteriorated, the suit states.
Cochran’s doctor ordered him off work on June 29 of last year, according to the complaint, which goes on to state Cochran was terminated on Nov. 7 after making inquiries regarding his health insurance being canceled.
Following his termination, Cochran says he submitted a letter to the city from his doctor releasing him to go back to work, “with certain restrictions,” but Mayor Lundie Meadows refused to allow him to return to his job, even though he is “capable of performing all of his essential work functions” under the release.
Claims made in civil lawsuits state only one side of an issue. Under the law, the city has 20 days from the date it is served with the complaint to file a response.
KENNETH HART can be reached at khart@dailyindependent.com or
(606) 326-2654.
Local News
Ex-Greenup officer files suit
- Local News
-
-
18 years and running, Adkins’ golf tournament continues to help in fight against cancer
Rocky Adkins is passionate about a lot of things in his life.
Maybe none moreso than the fight against cancer.
Anybody who listened to Adkins’ emotional and heart-felt speech on Friday at Eagle Trace Golf Course would have to agree. -
Carter library's deal closed on Main Street building
Carter County Public Library officials closed the sale Friday on what will be their new Grayson branch on Main Street downtown and proceeded immediately to show it off to some visitors.
Following an impromptu ceremony outside at which former owners Barry and Lisa Stewart of Lexington turned over the keys to board chairwoman Barbara Davis, Davis led a tour of the Houck Building. -
Raceland to ‘kick off summer’ today
People in downtown Raceland want others to visit the city this afternoon for a community celebration, to catch a glimpse of some of the projects under way and visit a few of the places which give the town its own charm and personality.
-
Not guilty plea in death of Boyd baby
A Powell County teenager accused in the beating death of an infant pleaded not guilty to the charge Friday.
Brett T. Thompson, 18, of Stanton was arraigned Friday in Boyd County Court.
Thompson has been indicted in the death of 2-month-old Alivia Noel Worstell of Westwood. He was the boyfriend of the baby’s mother, Heather Worstell, 19. -
Paul plans re-election bid for Senate
Republican Rand Paul will run for re-election to the U.S. Senate in 2016 regardless of any decision to launch a presidential bid. And he will campaign for his Kentucky colleague and Senate Republican Minority Leader Mitch McConnell in 2014.
-
Area woman’s book collection of aviator grandfather’s technical writings
All her life, Barbara Sellers gave much thought to flight.
-
Musical memories
A new nonprofit group is planning a concert this summer intended to offer a positive social gathering for music lovers.
-
Water main break causes headaches
A water main break in the area of 29th Street and Greenup Avenue has caused headaches for public works employees and water customers in Ashland.
-
MLB exec speaking to Greenup graduates
Greenup County High School graduates are going to hear a little baseball tonight.
-
Span into Ky. likely out of commission through holiday
The Ben Williamson Bridge, closed Thursday morning because of a damaged I-beam, probably will remain closed at least through the Memorial Day holiday, and transportation officials don’t yet know how soon they will be able to reopen it.
- More Local News Headlines
-
18 years and running, Adkins’ golf tournament continues to help in fight against cancer
Raw: Trucker Bumps I-5 Bridge Before Collapse
Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored
Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse
American Held in Grisly Czech Murders
Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer
UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested
Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying
Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
Jersey Shore Open for Business
Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington
New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
