Police Sergeant Files Claim Against Town

BOURNE- The Bourne police sergeant who was demoted by Town Administrator Thomas M. Guerino for allegedly failing to live up to her duties during an incident in which a man was shot by a law enforcement officer at a motel in Buzzards Bay has filed a discrimination claim against the town.
In the early hours of Sunday, January 27, Sergeant Martha R. McGonagle supervised the search for hit-and-run suspect Andrew J. Parker.
The search ended with Barnstable County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Patrick Martin shooting Mr. Parker in the leg in a Jasper’s Too Motel room.
While Deputy Martin has been cleared of any wrongdoing for his actions that morning, Mr. Guerino ruled that Sergeant McGonagle, a 36-year veteran of the police force, did not live up to the responsibility of her position during the events that led to the shooting.
Sergeant McGonagle was suspended for a period of 45 days for her role in the incident and was reinstated to her post as sergeant in June.
Mr. Guerino confirmed that the claim by Sergeant McGonagle to the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination was related to her suspension, but declined to comment on specifics as town counsel is still reviewing the claim.
He also said that the town has filed a motion to the commission to dismiss Sergeant McGonagle’s claim as he did not feel his decision was discriminatory.
At the time of her demotion, Sergeant McGonagle was on the list of finalists vying for the position of chief of police.
Mr. Guerino, who is the town’s appointing authority, said that Sergeant McGonagle’s suspension did not bump her from the list of candidates for the position and did not influence his ultimate decision in choosing then-acting Chief Earl V. Baldwin for the full-time position.
A hearing date for Sergeant’s McGonagle’s claim to the MCAD has not yet been set.
Sergeant McGonagle could not be reached for comment.