ENGLEWOOD — An arbitrator has ruled an Englewood police officer was justly fired for not informing city leaders that his wife was the author of an anonymous letter attacking the city's public safety director.

In a one-page, handwritten letter faxed to attorneys last week, arbitrator Frank Keenan said the city was within its rights to fire Keith Sigler, an 18-year veteran of the department.

Keenan ruled Sigler's constitutional rights were not violated.

Sigler was fired March 21, 2006, by City Manager Eric Smith after Sigler's wife sent anonymous letters criticizing Public Service Director Mark Brownfield's marriage to one of his patrol officers.

In the February 2006 letter, Susan Sigler claimed Brownfield engaged in nepotism and favoritism, putting other officers in danger.

The Ohio Patrolman's Benevolent Association filed a grievance on Sigler's behalf and an arbitration hearing occurred in June 2006. Keenan did not indicate when he would release a full written decision.

A month following the Brownfields' 2004 marriage, the city changed its employment rules so that one spouse cannot supervise another. Smith said following Brownfield's marriage, the chief no longer supervised his wife. The sergeant who was Julie Brownfield's direct supervisor reports directly to Smith concerning her evaluation and duties.

The Siglers have a pending federal lawsuit against the city, Brownfield, Smith and several police officers.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2290 or dpage@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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