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Chief deputy let go from Westmoreland Co. Sheriff's Office

GREENSBURG, Pa. — The chief deputy for the Westmoreland County Sheriff's Office has been fired.

It's the latest twist for a department that has been in turmoil for months.

Chief Deputy Patricia Fritz was found guilty of summary harassment just a few weeks ago for pushing and striking a fellow deputy, who was also the union representative, during a closed door meeting.

The county investigated the claim as a violation of county policies.

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The county's human resources department sent Channel 11 the following statement confirming Fritz is no longer an employee:

Earlier this year, the County began an investigation as to possible violations of County policies by Chief Fritz in connection with an incident with union representative, Steve Felder. Subsequent to the commencement of the investigation, the Sheriff represented that the County Solicitor's Office and Human Resources would determine the future job status for Ms. Fritz as Sheriff Held expressed a conflict of interest in making a recommendation regarding this incident. As a result, the County retained independent counsel for a recommendation. Based upon that recommendation, Chief Fritz is no longer an employee of Westmoreland County. This action has been taken to ensure that workplace standards are upheld and to ensure the safety of County employees and visitors while on County property.

Sheriff Held himself is charged with public corruption and is due to go to trial later this year.

The third in command, Capt. Travis Day, remains on unpaid suspension because he was charged with stalking and harassment by Penn State University police.

This all comes on the same day Fritz filed an appeal for her harassment conviction.

No court date has been set as of yet.

 

Cox Media Group

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