Canton's Assistant Police Chief Fired
"It is my understanding that the City Manager had no input or role in deciding to terminate Mr. Vande Zande, and therefore the purported basis for any legal claim would not be true," the city attorney said.
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Todd Vande Zande, who temporarily took the helm of the Canton Police Department after the agency faced widespread criticism for its role in the search of 7-year-old Jorelys Rivera, was fired today.
"I have confirmed that Todd Vande Zande’s employment was terminated today," city attorney Bobby Dyer wrote in an email to Canton-Sixes Patch.
Vande Zande had until the close of business today to resign or face termination, Atlanta lawyer Lance J. LoRusso said in a letter to the mayor, the city manager, the new police chief and all six members of the Canton City Council.
Dyer said he has received a copy of the letter and refuted LoRusso's claim that Vande Zande's ouster was retaliation for his failure to comply with several requests from City Manager Scott Wood.
"It is my understanding that the City Manager had no input or role in deciding to terminate Mr. Vande Zande, and therefore the purported basis for any legal claim would not be true," Dyer said. "Because legal action has been threatened, it would be inappropriate for me to comment any further about the particular allegations made in the attorney’s letter."
LoRusso said if Vande Zande was terminated, he would "immediately seek injunctive and other relief through the Superior Court of Cherokee County against the City of Canton and individually against Wood and Merchant" on Vande Zande's behalf.
Stay with Canton-Sixes Patch for updates on this breaking news story.
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lifelong resident
6:40 pm on Monday, August 6, 2012
it sure seems like the city is in a mess from top to bottom in every aspect of city business.
Mary K
4:14 pm on Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Vande Zande should of been fired in 2008 for the police brutality lawsuit filed against the city of Canton.
hope
4:14 pm on Tuesday, August 7, 2012
the city of canton never disappoints...ha. what a hot mess! do you ever wonder what people must think when they google "canton" if they are considering moving here? ugh! do you hear the sound of your property equity and value being flushed down the toilet? i do.
Justin Ready
4:14 pm on Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Good job City of Canton...I bet he sues and wins...another cost to the city we can't afford. Maybe we should create a special district to raise taxes for lawsuits against the city. Good job Wood and council.
ABC
4:14 pm on Tuesday, August 7, 2012
This incompetent agency is too involved with their drama to assist anyone needing their help... Shame on them.
Joel
1:30 pm on Thursday, August 9, 2012
Scott Wood is the one who needs to be let go. Sorry but you aren't above the law sir. No matter how many people you want to have fired.