Overview
- Pettis will be reinstated with full back pay and benefits, and she said she feels vindicated and looks forward to returning to duty.
- City Manager Sheryl Long said the city will proceed in alignment with the arbitrators’ ruling after previously accepting Chief Teresa Theetge’s recommendation to fire Pettis; Theetge is currently on leave.
- The department had terminated Pettis in December 2024 for alleged policy violations, including interfering with an internal investigation, attempting to intimidate a lower-ranking officer, and improperly logging $191 in overtime.
- Pettis and her attorney say the firing followed her complaint about a document suggesting her promotion was due to affirmative action, and arbitrators criticized the conduct of an internal interview.
- The arbitration outcome arrives as a separate October 2024 lawsuit by another officer alleging discrimination and retaliation involving Pettis and the city remains active.