Panel Supports Deputies’ Firing in Cross Incident

The Los Angeles County Civil Service Commission voted 3 to 2 Wednesday to adopt a hearing officer’s finding that the Sheriff’s Department acted properly in firing two deputies accused of setting fire to a cross in a section of the Men’s Central Jail where black gang members were being held.

Attorney Richard A. Shinee said he will file objections to the hearing officer’s ruling and the commission’s decision and seek a rehearing for the fired deputies, Brian E. Kazmierski, 25, of Whittier and Richard D. Bolks, 24, of Long Beach.

Hearing officer Huey P. Shepard found that the cross burning did take place sometime in late December, 1987, or early January, 1988. The two deputies denied setting fire to a cross and testified that the incident involved horseplay.