by Melissa L. Gaffney, Staff Writer
PLUMSTED — Ernie Freestone didn’t say much during last week’s Township Committee meeting. But an outpouring of community support spoke for itself, as several members of the public vouched for the character and ability of the local law enforcement officer who has been in limbo for about 18 months.
And what they want is for Mr. Freestone to be reinstated to the Police Department.
Mayor Ron Dancer says a decision is imminent.
”He’s well-loved,” Board of Education member Tony O’Donnell said during the Aug. 5 meeting.
Mr. Freestone had worked for the Plumsted force for about seven years and was serving as the school resource officer when former Lt. George Titko placed him on medical leave without pay in early 2008. The termination appeal hearings were completed at the end of June.
”We need a decision,” Mr. O’Donnell said. “I’m asking for fairness. Officer Freestone wants to serve the community. In the meantime, the man needs to support his family.”
Mr. Freestone has two children, 5-year-old Devyn and 11-year-old Dohnovan. His wife, Tarah, has cancer. Their home in Brick has gone in and out of foreclosure, and it’s about time the township pays Mr. Freestone for the time he has been out, resident Mitch Geier said at the meeting.
Mr. O’Donnell asked the governing body to honor the spirit of new legislation that enables law enforcement officers and firefighters suspended without pay to regain pay status when appeals of termination are not resolved within 130 days.
Mr. Freestone said Tuesday he was told by Mr. Titko not to show up for work because he was “unfit” for the job.
”I know I’m a good cop, and I know I’m a good person,” he said. “I want to be reinstated.”
Mr. Titko was placed on administrative leave with pay in January. The former lieutenant, the subject of a sexual harassment complaint by former Plumsted female officer Sue DesMarais, has since resigned to avoid charges, according to Mayor Dancer.
”We’re in the same boat,” Mr. Freestone said to the governing body. “We’re both victims of one gentleman. I was lied about and you were lied to.”
Mr. Freestone uttered a phrase out of frustration during a shift that referenced putting a gun in his mouth and shooting himself, and it was taken out of context, Mr. Geier said to the council.
”The same way I’d say, ‘I’d rather kill myself’ than do something; when you get upset about something,” he said. “That doesn’t mean you’re going to do it.”
Mr. Freestone has seen six doctors, five of whom agree the man is fit to be an officer and there is nothing psychologically wrong with him, Mr. Geier added.
Mr. Freestone told The Messenger-Press he has no problem with any of the information supplied by Mr. Geier.
Mr. Geier also indicated the situation is political. He claimed Mr. Freestone “had a target on his back” ever since Mr. Geier unsuccessfully ran for Township Committee several years ago because Mr. Freestone was instrumental in getting him a PBA endorsement, which was later rescinded.
Another person speaking on behalf of Mr. Freestone was Linda Pintye, wife of Plumsted Police Sgt. Robert Pintye, who has been the chief law enforcement officer since Mr. Titko was suspended.
”He’s being wronged, and he’s being wronged bad, and it’s got to stop,” she said. “There is no reason this man has had to be put through what he has.”
Mayor Dancer said last week that the township is waiting for its labor attorney, Jim Holvspel, and Mr. Freestone’s attorney, Guy Ryan, to report back to the committee.
”We await and expect a report any day, so we can hopefully and expediently resolve matters,” he said.”
Mayor Dancer indicated that, if any action can be taken before the Sept. 2 Township Committee meeting, he would call a special meeting to do so.
Mr. Freestone ended his public comments with a message for the mayor and council.
”Everything that happens in the township is a chapter,” he said. “I think it’s time to end the chapter that has anything to do with Mr. Titko.”
mgaffney@centraljersey.com
