A Pittsfield Police officer who was passed over numerous times for promotion has filed a suit in federal court alleging retaliation against him after he raised concerns about hiring practices and other department policies.The suit, filed by Sgt. Mark Lenihan, names the City of Pittsfield, Mayor Dan Bianchi, Pittsfield Police Chief Michael Wynn and Capt. David Granger as defendants.
Lenihan claims he was passed over for promotions to lieutenant three times after he raised concerns about the department’s hiring process and other actions by Granger. Lenihan says one person who was promoted over him was assigned by Granger to vet candidates for department positions and given access to training Lenihan had been denied. Lenihan says Granger took an active role in the department’s hiring process even though his son and Bianchi’s son were listed on the state’s civil service list.
Lenihan, a 28-year veteran of the force, had said Granger was primarily responsible for what he called negative morale in the department.
The Berkshire Eagle reports Mayor Bianchi has cited three suspensions over Lenihan’s career as part of the reason why he was passed over.
On Tuesday, the city denied Lenihan’s allegations vowing to defend its actions. The city says Granger’s and Bianchi’s sons were never applicants for employment with the police department.
