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.