Spring Valley police chief 'back on the job' after 1-day suspension
The police chief was suddenly sent home Thursday by Village Mayor Alan Simon but by Friday – News 12 was told by the department and a police official that the department veteran was already back to work.
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Spring Valley Police Chief Richard Oleszcuk is now back on the job after a bizarre, one-day suspension.
MORE: Spring Valley mayor suspends village's police chief
Oleszcuk was suddenly sent home Thursday by Village Mayor Alan Simon but by Friday – News 12 was told by the department and a police official that the department veteran was already back to work.
News 12 is unable to confirm why the chief was suspended but Rockland Police Chief’s Association President Andrew Loughlin says Simon had no authority to do so, which may explain why he’s already back on the job.
“We believe that what occurred yesterday was in direct violation of the Rockland County Police Act; and are confident that this matter will be resolved quickly in Chief Oleszcuk’s favor,” said Loughlin.
Oleszcuk was suspended after Simon removed a department school resource officer from Spring Valley High School this week for an unknown reason, and after he reportedly refused to arrest a TV reporter who went to Village Hall to ask Simon why.
The mayor has a history of attempting to fire or suspend village employees during his six years on the job, and is well-known for his sudden outbursts.
News 12 went to Village Hall on Friday to speak with Simon but were told he was behind closed doors in a meeting.
News 12 also left messages for the Spring Valley police chief and stopped by the department for comment but hasn’t heard anything back.
