Medina Police Chief Jeffrey Chen Fired

Embattled Medina Police Chief Jeffrey Chen, who submitted his resignation last year and then was put on leave after asking to be reinstated, was fired Wednesday.

City Manager Donna Hanson confirmed his termination but wouldn't comment Thursday on the reasons for it. She said the city would release information in response to public records requests regarding the matter.

Chen apparently sent an email earlier Thursday to Medina and Hunts Point residents, a copy of which was sent to Bellevue Patch. In it he says:

“I have had the privilege and the honor of protecting you and your community
for the last 10 years.  Unfortunately today I was terminated by the City of
Medina from that position.

The City Manager has decided to terminate me based upon conclusions in an
investigation report which I wholeheartedly refute.”

Attached to the email was a document, purportedly written by Chen, refuting a number of charges apparently made against Chen by the city, including making intentionally false statements, abuse of power in relation to tickets, and unauthorized use of the city’s MX Logic email system. The document contains claims that Hanson pressured Chen to resign.

Bellevue Patch couldn't reach Chen for comment Thursday. Medina Mayor Bret Jordan declined to comment to Bellevue Patch, as did City Councilman Doug Dicharry.

Dicharry did, however, send the following e-mail statement to a Medina community yahoo newsgroup, medina_matters:

"As you may have heard by now, Chief Jeff Chen's employment with the city was terminated on April 27. For the last ten years, Chief Chen has provided outstanding public service to Medina, Hunts Point, and the region. Our community will be dealing with a deep sense of loss. This personnel issue has been a long, difficult, and painful process for everyone involved. More information is expected to be available over the coming days."

The City Council held an executive session Wednesday to discuss potential litigation with its legal counsel but has not released a statement regarding that meeting.

Chen, who unexpectedly quit the department in mid-December, informed city leaders he'd like his old job back a week later. Chen was reinstated but while Hanson considered a decision about his future with the city. Chen has been with the department since 2001, and has been chief since 2004.

Citing personnel issues, Hanson would not say in January why Chen was put on paid leave after he changed his mind about quitting.

Chen submitted a hand-written resignation to the city Dec. 17 and his departure was announced on the city of Medina's website several days later.

“I have chosen another opportunity to finish my working career,” he wrote.

At the time, Hanson said that Chen’s resignation came as a surprise.

However, Chen submitted a letter rescinding his resignation in a one-sentence letter dated Dec. 23.

Hanson confirmed that she put Chen on leave after receiving his letter rescinding his resignation and after she consulted with an attorney on behalf of the city.

This article has been updated to include an e-mail sent by councilmember Doug Dicherry to a Medina community newsgroup.