Boulder City Police chief says his firing was retaliatory

By Conor Shine

Published Monday, April 15, 2013 | 11:33 a.m.

Updated Monday, April 15, 2013 | 5 p.m.

Boulder City Police Chief Thomas Finn alleged his firing Monday was an act of retaliation by the city’s management and council.

In a statement, Finn said he was given the opportunity to resign his position by City Manager David Fraser on Monday morning after returning to work from three months of medical leave.

When he declined, Finn said, he was fired.

Finn said in an interview that no reason for his termination was given but he suspected he was being targeted after months of challenging Boulder City leaders.

Over the last year, Finn has filed several complaints with the district attorney and the Nevada Commission on Ethics alleging questionable behavior by Boulder City leaders, including city council member Cam Walker, City Attorney Dave Olsen and City Manager David Fraser.

In a federal complaint filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission last month, Finn, a Catholic, further alleges he was the target of religious discrimination by city leaders, many of whom are Mormon, because he did not share their faith.

Finn, who served as chief since 2006, was an at-will employee and did not have a contract with the city.

The city confirmed Finn's firing in a statement, but declined further comment.