The Fort Worth City Council has approved a $9.6 million settlement in the wrongful termination lawsuit involving its former police chief, Joel Fitzgerald, and two other former employees. The settlement brings a five-year legal battle to an end, with the city agreeing to pay out to settle the whistleblower lawsuits against them. Fitzgerald, who was fired in 2019 before meeting with FBI investigators, will receive $5.2 million from the settlement, while William Birchett and Ronald Burke will receive $2.4 million and $2 million respectively. Attorney Stephen Kennedy, representing the former employees, stated that the resolution was acceptable to all parties involved.
Following the approval of the settlement, Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker released a statement urging to leave the issue in the past as Fitzgerald has not been employed by the city for over five years. Fitzgerald also released a statement expressing his desire to continue his career without the stigma associated with his termination from the city. He acknowledged the challenges of doing the right thing and standing up for his family name, despite the repercussions faced. The city of Fort Worth continues to deny liability in the three cases.
The settlement has been met with mixed feelings from the public, with some expressing relief that closure has been reached, while others voiced disappointment that the situation occurred in the first place. Despite the settlement, the city of Fort Worth remains adamant that they are not liable in the matter.
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