Officer back on the job following suspension

A Vermilion police officer who was caught sleeping on duty, has returned after a 20-day suspension.

Disciplinary action was taken against Patrolman Nick Forrider following a second instance of him sleeping on the job, according to a Last Chance Agreement signed by both Forrider and Vermilion police Chief Chris Hartung.

According to the agreement, Forrider was found sleeping in his car July 24, 2016.

Hartung addressed the incident with Forrider and agreed to suspend disciplinary action provided he didn’t do it again.

The problem resurfaced July 7 of this year when the Officer-in-Charge Steve Kopniske found Forrider sleeping in his cruiser while at Vermilion Elementary School, the agreement said.

An investigation by Vermilion police Captain Jim Graham followed which led to a reasonable basis for discipline, according to the agreement.

Both parties agreed to Forrider being suspended for 20 work days without pay, for Forrider to submit to a sleep study that would be given to the city of Vermilion and that Forrider will be terminated if he commits a similar violation in the next 18 months.

Examples of similar violations include one more violation of sleeping on duty, abusing sick leave or any acts of serious misconduct, according to the agreement.