COLUMBUS, Ohio — Former Columbus Police Chief Thomas Quinlan will remain in his current rank of deputy chief with the department.
City of Columbus Public Safety Director Ned Pettus denied a grievance filed by the local chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police over Quinlan's demotion of former police chief Thomas Quinlan.
Mayor Andrew Ginther demoted Quinlan to deputy chief just before his probationary period expired.
Deputy chief Mike Woods was named as interim chief while a search is on for a new leader of the division.
A commander within the division filed a complaint saying a deputy chief cannot come from the chief's position.
FOP Lodge 9 President Keith Ferrell claimed that the police union contract says a deputy chief must be promoted from the command staff ranks.
Pettus held a hearing on the grievance on March 10.
He decided to deny the grievance saying Quinlan took a voluntary demotion, which is different than being appointed to the position.
According to Pettus' review of the grievance, the contact only limits promotions and not demotions.
Ferrell said the FOP has not made a decision about appealing the decision.
