Post by KC on Oct 13, 2006 20:41:51 GMT -5
They started with a few leftover beers from the Corporate Challenge. The race was canceled due to extreme heat, but the parties still went on.
Chief Gary Miguel said a deputy chief brought the off-duty officers that couldn't enjoy the party the rest of the alcohol. Miguel said the deputy chief thought the officers would take it home. Instead, they each drank a few.
Some, including Derek Backus, went to a bar afterward on West Fayette Street.
Backus ended up on Route 57 or Oswego Road in Liverpool sometime later. That's when he collided with Matthew Rusch, 17, and Jillian DeMaree of Liverpool. Both were injured.
Backus blew almost twice the legal limit. In the meantime, the off-duty officers that had been drinking back at the office were not disciplined.
"There was a mixed message. What should have taken place is it should have been communicated that yes, obviously the rules relative to drinking on city property are still in place and that you cannot do that. That message was not communicated at that time, even though it's in our rules and regulations, so I, as Chief of Police, believe it would be unfair to, in fact, discipline those officers under those circumstances," Miguel said.
Reporter: Although it was, like you said, in your handbook. They know they're not supposed to.
Gary Miguel: Well the rules and regulations you can't utilize any alcoholic beverage on any police property.
The property is city-owned, and the police department is the City of Syracuse Police Department.
Now, two teenagers are still recovering from their injuries. News 10 Now was not successful in reaching them or their attorney for comment.
Miguel said it's unfortunate that a good officer made a poor choice.
"It appears as though he certainly made a bad decision, and now he, along with the victims of that accident, have to suffer the consequences of that bad decision," Miguel said.
Later this month a grand jury will consider the DWI charges against Backus. Backus could not be reached for comment.
news10now.com/content/top_stories/default.asp?ArID=82662
Chief Gary Miguel said a deputy chief brought the off-duty officers that couldn't enjoy the party the rest of the alcohol. Miguel said the deputy chief thought the officers would take it home. Instead, they each drank a few.
Some, including Derek Backus, went to a bar afterward on West Fayette Street.
Backus ended up on Route 57 or Oswego Road in Liverpool sometime later. That's when he collided with Matthew Rusch, 17, and Jillian DeMaree of Liverpool. Both were injured.
Backus blew almost twice the legal limit. In the meantime, the off-duty officers that had been drinking back at the office were not disciplined.
"There was a mixed message. What should have taken place is it should have been communicated that yes, obviously the rules relative to drinking on city property are still in place and that you cannot do that. That message was not communicated at that time, even though it's in our rules and regulations, so I, as Chief of Police, believe it would be unfair to, in fact, discipline those officers under those circumstances," Miguel said.
Reporter: Although it was, like you said, in your handbook. They know they're not supposed to.
Gary Miguel: Well the rules and regulations you can't utilize any alcoholic beverage on any police property.
The property is city-owned, and the police department is the City of Syracuse Police Department.
Now, two teenagers are still recovering from their injuries. News 10 Now was not successful in reaching them or their attorney for comment.
Miguel said it's unfortunate that a good officer made a poor choice.
"It appears as though he certainly made a bad decision, and now he, along with the victims of that accident, have to suffer the consequences of that bad decision," Miguel said.
Later this month a grand jury will consider the DWI charges against Backus. Backus could not be reached for comment.
news10now.com/content/top_stories/default.asp?ArID=82662