Former officers sue Orland Park for wrongful termination

Two former police officers from Orland Park have filed lawsuits against the village and police department leaders, claiming they were wrongfully fired and that their civil rights were violated. The lawsuits name several people, including Police Chief Eric Rossi and former Deputy Chief Brian West. One of the former officers, William Sanchez, claims he was fired as retaliation for complaining about being denied a promotion due to his Hispanic ethnicity. He alleges that there were troubling attitudes about race within the department. Sanchez worked for the Orland Park police for nearly 20 years before being terminated in March 2024. Sanchez’s lawsuit states that after he became the supervisor of the traffic safety unit, he was promised a promotion to lieutenant following a retirement. However, he was not promoted even nine months later, while several white officers in similar positions had been promoted. Sanchez also believes he was given more work without compensation compared to previous supervisors. After experiencing what he described as discrimination, Sanchez filed complaints with various authorities, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. He alleges that West retaliated against him by claiming he created a hostile work environment. A subsequent investigation, which Sanchez calls a sham, cleared West but dismissed his claims. Following this, Sanchez was informed of his potential firing for filing complaints, which he believes is protected activity under the law. Sanchez’s case went to arbitration, where it was determined that his termination was unjust. The village disagreed with the ruling and is now contesting it in court. Sanchez is seeking reinstatement, back pay, and damages. The second lawsuit involves a retired sergeant named Kenneth Kovac, who created a parody Facebook page about West. Kovac claimed the page was a critique of perceived abuses of power within the department. He was charged with false personation and disorderly conduct, but those charges were dismissed as they did not constitute an offense. Kovac's lawsuit alleges that his rights to free speech and protection against unreasonable searches were violated during the investigation. The village commented on the ongoing litigation, stating that they stand by their actions, affirming they were lawful and appropriate.