Goodyear police chief fired; 3 others investigated
Official accused of violating city policies
City officials confirmed on Friday that Goodyear Police Chief Jerry Geier has been fired for “violating administrative policies.”
The news comes after Geier and three other Police Department employees were placed on paid administrative leave after “allegations of impropriety” emerged in October.
According to a city statement, “external investigators” determined Geier violated “administrative policies.”
Tammy Vo, spokeswoman for Goodyear, offered no additional details other than that the violations were “non-criminal and non-financial in nature.”
The city has yet to provide any information about the agency that conducted the investigation or the allegations against the former chief. Vo said the city won’t release additional information about the allegations, investigations or findings until the appeals process has concluded. Geier has the right to appeal the termination under the Peace Officers Bill of Rights.
His attorney, Steve Serbalik, told The Arizona Republic he has already appealed the termination.
“He looks forward to an appeals process that will allow him to be able to respond to complaints against him,” Serbalik said. “We look forward to making our case.”
City officials denied their repeated requests for information about the allegations and supporting materials, he said. They’re looking forward to finally getting those now that the appeal is underway, he said.
Acting Chief Santiago Rodriguez will serve as the chief until further no
tice.
Geier, who was hired in 2012, was on paid administrative leave before his firing was announced. He continued to draw his weekly paycheck of about $3,600 during that time.
Deputy Chief Justin Hughes, Officer Kyle Cluff and Administrative Services Manager Susan Petty were also placed on paid administrative leave in October. Vo said they are still under investigation. It’s unclear whether the allegations against them are related to what ultimately led to Geier’s termination.