Officers Who Regained Jobs Fired Again

Two Maywood police officers, who regained their jobs after being fired for allegedly using excessive force in breaking up a late night party, were fired again Wednesday.

Darin Moeller, 26, and Albert Russas, 31, had returned to work March 2 following more than a year’s absence after the Los Angeles County Civil Service Commission ordered them reinstated with full pay.

The commission ruled in February that there was no justification for the firing in 1990. The officers, who were both active in the police officers union, say they were fired after their involvement in acrimonious negotiations with the city.

The Maywood City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to appeal the ruling. Shortly after the meeting ended, Russas, who was on duty, and Moeller, who had just arrived at the station, were called into Police Chief Ted Hiedke’s office and fired.

Their return to patrol had sparked a wave of protest from residents who gathered last week in front of City Hall and then crammed the council chambers Tuesday night.

The attorney representing Russas and Moeller accused the council of bowing to political pressure during election time. “The city agreed to put these guys back to work and now, for political reasons, have decided to take another course of action,” Sylvia E. Kellison said.