The reason former Minneapolis Police Sgt. David Clifford was fired now has become part of the public record.
Clifford was convicted of a felony after assaulting a fellow bar patron in Anoka last summer.
The reason for his termination was based on violation of the police department’s Code of Ethics.
“Mr. Clifford’s conduct that day is in direct conflict with the core values and mission of the Minneapolis Police Department and what we represent,” said Police Chief Janee Harteau in a news release.
Harteau took action to begin Clifford’s termination in February.
He then filed a grievance with the Police Federation contesting the termination. The federation withdrew the grievance following Clifford’s April 13 conviction of a felony.
“This incident should not reflect upon the women and men of this department, who serve this community with integrity each day,” said Harteau.
Clifford was a 20-year department veteran who during his career was nominated for the Medal of Honor and received two Metals of Valor.
Correction
In a story last week about the Minneapolis Police Department’s annual awards ceremony, we noted that Lloyd Kwiecien was selected as the Civilian Employee of the Year but we incorrectly described his job.
Kwiecien is an evidence technician in the Property and Evidence Unit.