Judge rules city must rehire officer it fired
An Allegheny County Common Pleas judge Friday upheld a March arbitration ruling that a fired Pittsburgh police officer should be reinstated to the force, denying the city’s appeal.
Judge Donald Walko Jr. upheld the ruling that Officer Robert Kramer, who was fired amid allegations that he pointed a gun at a man during an off- duty road rage incident in 2017, should be returned to his job and receive back pay.
Officer Kramer was charged with simple assault in connection with that incident and was fired from the police force in October 2017. He was acquitted during a jury trial in September 2018.
Cara Cruz, a city public safety spokeswoman, declined Wednesday to comment on Judge Walko’s decision beyond saying it is under review.
Fraternal Order of Police Fort Pitt Lodge No. 1 President Robert Swartzwelder said Wednesday that Officer Kramer was pleased with the judge’s ruling but frustrated by the city’s continued appeals.
“He’s upset the city won’t comply with these rulings,” Officer Swartzwelder said. “He’s personally upset about it because they’re putting him in a dire financial situation. Every time he is successful in court, the city says, ‘ We don’t care what the judiciary has to say.’”
Officer Swartzwelder called the city’s appeal “irresponsible” and called on the city to immediately return Officer Kramer to work as ordered by the arbitrator. The officer is owed nearly two years of salary, as well as compensation for lost overtime and benefits, he said.
The city, which has 30 days to appeal Judge Walko’s decision, has not yet indicated if it will do so, Officer Swartzwelder said.
Officer Kramer declined to comment Wednesday.