Originally published May 2 2013
Cop fired for driving drunk sues city, claiming alcoholism is a 'disability'
by J. D. Heyes
(NaturalNews) Most Americans know that our public servants are human beings too, and as such are far from perfect, but we also expect them to, at all times, at least make a serious attempt to set the standards of behavior, even if they sometimes fall short of those standards themselves.
But there is no excuse for a public servant who has already violated the public's trust to compound his mistake by trying to justify it with outrageous claims. Yet, that is precisely what one disgraced former Oregon police veteran is trying to do.
According to Fox affiliate KPTV, Gresham, Ore., Officer Jason Servo, a 12-year veteran, was fired after he drove a department vehicle into ditch while intoxicated. Now, he's suing the city for $6 million, claiming his alcoholism is a disability that cannot be used as a reason for termination.
Servo was busted in January 2011 following a day of training in nearby Troutdale. Following the incident, the department investigated and he was fired in April of that year, according to reports.
But instead of accepting responsibility for his own actions, Servo did what far too many Americans do these days - he got a lawyer and is now seeking to blame his poor life choices on others. Pathetic.
'I'm a drunk - it's not my fault'
In a suit filed against his former department, Servo claims that Police Chief Craig Junginger made false claims and statements during the investigation into his arrest. He also says the police union inadequately represented him (and isn't that what losers always claim?).
Further, Servo claims he has been diagnosed with alcohol addiction, and even though he violated the department's rules against driving drunk and getting arrested, his lawyer is claiming that is no reason to fire him.
"He is afflicted with a significant disability recognized under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Oregon Law," says the lawsuit, which further states, "Plaintiff is disabled and due to that disability is limited in one or more major life activities."
Recently, Servo spoke publicly about his addition.
"There were times I went home and I couldn't get crime scenes out of my head," he said. "I went to drinking for that and there's other officers that do the same thing."
So in other words, Servo is essentially saying, "It's my job's fault - not mine."
And besides, other cops do it too
What's more, Servo is seeking to drag other officers down with him. His suit further alleges that he is not the only officer who drinks while carrying his weapon and badge into a number of bars on the McMenamins campus, where he was training in January 2011. Only, apparently those officers don't have the problem with alcohol that Servo does.
Servo and other officers had been undertaking weapons training in Troutdale, said reports. Investigators of the incident quoted witnesses who said Servo was showing his badge and gun in a threatening manner, all while he was "significantly intoxicated" - an allegation the suit even seems to concede, though in a manner favorable to Servo.
"Due to the significant amount of alcohol he had consumed, Plaintiff has no clear recollection of events of that evening," the lawsuit states.
Of course not; we can't have the plaintiff making the case against himself by actually remembering what he did while drunk.
Following his post-training drinking binge, investigators said Servo attempted to drive away from the bar but soon ditched an official department vehicle. "A Clackamas County deputy investigated and cited Servo for DUII and someone else drove him home," KPTV reported.
'I just want to help'
Servo then entered and completed a program aimed at helping him overcome his addiction; his lawyers say he has not consumed alcohol since January 2011.
Alleging that Servo "has lost a career," the suit says no other officers who drove away from the McMenamins training facility were investigated or disciplined; that could be, of course, because none of them were a) wasted; and b) wrecked a department vehicle - but I digress.
In the end, Servo says the money isn't what it's all about; he just wants to help other cops.
"If officers are treated the way that I am, they're not going to seek help on their own and I don't want to see others officers harmed in the future," he said.
Sure, pal. You're a real humanitarian.
Sources for this article include:
http://cnsnews.com
http://www.kptv.com
http://www.kptv.com
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