SUSPENDED EPPING OFFICER HEADED BACK TO WORK

EPPING - A police officer who was called "unstable" by fellow officers
and described by his chief as someone who "shouldn't wear the badge"
of a law enforcement agency says he'll be back on the job tomorrow.

Officer Bradley Jardis is returning to work after passing a
psychological evaluation ordered by selectmen who refused to fire him
despite Police Chief Gregory Dodge's recommendation that he be
terminated. 09n03bradleyJardis_70px

Jardis, 29, of Hooksett, is returning to the force after being
suspended and placed on paid leave following an internal
investigation. The probe resulted from a disagreement between him and
then-Sgt. Sean Gallagher over the handling of a case last July.

In August, Dodge ordered that Jardis be suspended for insubordination
and violating police procedures. Dodge recommended that Jardis be
fired in October.

Jardis fought the suspension and demanded that a hearing on his appeal
held on Nov. 30 be done in public.

Jardis has long claimed that he's been targeted by other officers who
don't like him because of his political views and his affiliation with
Law Enforcement Against Prohibition, a group pushing for the
legalization of drugs.

Selectmen upheld the suspension, but decided against firing Jardis,
who argued that the town had no grounds for termination.

During the public hearing, Dodge painted Jardis as a man who couldn't
be trusted, has used poor judgment, and is a "liability to the town."
Dodge also told selectmen that other officers voiced concern about
Jardis' return, saying they feel he isn't stable and could exploit
them by exposing personal and work-related issues. A statement of
those concerns was signed by five officers.

Jardis has insisted that the chief brought up incidents from years ago
during the November hearing that never resulted in any disciplinary
action against him.

Dodge was unavailable for comment yesterday.

Selectmen agreed to reinstate Jardis depending on the results of a
psychological evaluation. That test was completed on Jan. 5 with a
doctor in Manchester at a cost of $5,775 to the town.

In his written report, Jardis said the doctor concluded that he was
"fit for duty." Yesterday, Jardis said there was not a "single shred
of evidence (submitted at the hearing) to prove anything to the
contrary about my mental status, with the exception of a signed
statement by five obviously disgruntled coworkers." Jardis also said
it was "unfortunate that people were embarrassed by my choice to
exercise my right to inform the public of everything, but
embarrassment of other town employees does not make me 'mentally
unstable,' nor does it make me unable to do my job
effectively."

When asked whether he has concerns about returning, Jardis said, "I am
a professional and will do my job appropriately. I would expect
nothing but the same from my fellow co-workers."