The recent public suicide of police Sgt. Neil Thomas Gunn, who was named in an FBI probe into police misconduct along with several other officers, focused further scrutiny on the troubled department.
Gunn’s family and some of his fellow officers have blamed Stehr and city officials for the death, saying the sergeant was the victim of retaliation for defending fellow officers falsely accused of wrongdoing.
“Of course the tragic death of Sgt. Neil Gunn has added a great deal of emotion,” said Stehr, 51. “I knew Neil Gunn his entire 22 years here, and of course that was very difficult for me, and it’s difficult for the entire department.”
Stehr was 19 when he began in the Police Department as a cadet, and held several positions before being named chief in 2007.
“It’s been a difficult couple of months, and these last few weeks have been very difficult for my family and I,” Stehr said.
FBI officials in September confirmed that they were investigating possible excessive use-of-force allegations and alleged civil rights violations by officers. Also, seven current and former officers have filed lawsuits against the city, alleging everything from a pattern of racial discrimination and retaliation, to unlawful demotions or firings.
“Where the department had gone we just felt that in order to heal, in order to move forward with all that’s taking place, we needed a new leader that could move us forward,” said Det. Mike Parrinello, president of the Burbank Police Officers’ Assn.
Despite the announcement, union members are moving ahead with a scheduled meeting Thursday evening where they planned to discuss a vote of no confidence in Stehr.
