ST. LUCIE COUNTY SHERIFF'S SERGEANT SUES TO GET HIS JOB BACK AFTER
DRUG-TEST FIRING

FORT PIERCE -- A St. Lucie County sheriff's sergeant who was fired in
November after a positive drug test filed suit to appeal the firing.

In a complaint filed March 9, former Sgt. Dennis Bernas, 48, criticized the
Career Service Appeals Board that considered an appeal of his firing Feb. 4
and demanded a new hearing.

He alleged in the complaint that the board of five deputies made its
decision based on an inaccurate drug test, refused to discipline other
deputies for similar test results and failed to document its deliberations.

Bernas maintained during the hearing that he tested positive because of
prescription pain medication his brother gave him the day before the test.

The board upheld Bernas' firing by a vote of 3-1. Bernas had earlier sued
the department and won his job back, plus a $25,000 settlement after he was
demoted for using excessive force during a 1993 traffic stop.