Veteran police officer could lose benefits for releasing impaired driver

Patrolman Mike Moore was under investigation for stopping a man who was high on prescription drugs last November, and then letting him go home. The traffic stop and subsequent failed field sobriety test were all captured by the police car video camera.

"I had just cause to request the termination of officer Mike Moore. I will stand behind that forever," said Pendleton Police Chief Marc Farrer.

However, before Moore could be fired by the Public Safety Board, the 30-year police veteran submitted letters of retirement in late February and on March first.


"So the question becomes how do you fire somebody that's retired," Town Attorney Alex Intermill asked. "Does the board now have jurisdiction under the discipline statute?"

The answer to that question, apparently, is "no."

During a Thursday night meeting, the Pendleton Public Safety Board voted not to pursue the firing of Mike Moore.

"There are no criminal activities here. These are misjudgments that have been made and very clearly made," explained Board President Donald Henderson.

Despite his reservations, Chief Farrer will have to deliver a weapon and retired officer's badge to former officer Mike Moore.

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A Pendleton police officer who let an impaired driver actually drive himself home will not be fired by the department.

Patrolman Mike Moore was under investigation for stopping a man who was high on prescription drugs last November, and then letting him go home. The traffic stop and subsequent failed field sobriety test were all captured by the police car video camera.

"I had just cause to request the termination of officer Mike Moore. I will stand behind that forever," said Pendleton Police Chief Marc Farrer.

However, before Moore could be fired by the Public Safety Board, the 30-year police veteran submitted letters of retirement in late February and on March first.

"So the question becomes how do you fire somebody that's retired?" Town Attorney Alex Intermill asked. "Does the board now have jurisdiction under the discipline statute?"

The answer to that question, apparently, is "no."

During a Thursday night meeting, the Pendleton Public Safety Board voted not to pursue the firing of Mike Moore.

"There are no criminal activities here. These are misjudgments that have been made and very clearly made," explained Board President Donald Henderson.

Despite his reservations, Chief Farrer will have to deliver a weapon and retired officer's badge to former officer Mike Moore.