Sgt fired for on-duty affair reinstated

PORTAGE, Mich. (WOOD) - A Portage police officer who was fired after an investigation revealed he used company resources to maintain an affair was given his job back, but hasn't returned to duty.

Sgt. James Myers was fired in January. An investigation revealed that while involved in a relationship with a local waitress, he took time to see her while he was on duty and that he had extended conversations with her on the company phone. Myers also met up with the woman while at a Traverse City training session paid for by the department.

Myers, who is married, fought the termination.

On Nov. 7, an arbitrator found that though some form of punishment was appropriate, the dismissal was too harsh. The arbitrator did not specify what type of punishment would have been or would be appropriate.

Public Safety Director Richard White confirmed to 24 Hour News 8 that the city will appeal the arbitrator's decision.

Myers has not been back on the job pending the appeal, White said.