Swampscott near end of Cassidy arbitration process

SWAMPSCOTT-An arbitration process between a former police lieutenant and the town that has dragged on for almost three years is nearing completion after a couple of more recent delays.The arbitration process started immediately after former Lt. Peter Cassidy Jr. was terminated by selectmen for conduct unbecoming and criminal on April 6, 2006.Cassidy and Town Administrator Andrew Maylor said the final briefs were supposed to be turned into the arbitrator by Oct. 3 but the arbitrator granted an extension so the final briefs weren’t submitted to until Nov. 12.Maylor said arbitration is always a lengthy process and the arbitrator has 30 days from the time the briefs were filed to make a decision.?There were a lot of witnesses, a lot of testimony and a lot of scheduling conflicts,” he said. “We are nearing a conclusion. The end is near.”Cassidy, who was expecting a decision by the end of the month, said he is frustrated with the repeated delays and he is anxious to put this behind him.?I am cautiously optimistic that he (the arbitrator) will rule in my favor,” he said.Cassidy served with the department for 29 years and received numerous commendations during his time on the force. One of the incidents mentioned at the time of his termination was an off-duty drunken driving arrest in Vermont on Jan. 13, 2006. Cassidy, who was convicted on those charges, said after his gastric bypass surgery he replaced his compulsive eating with alcohol but his metabolism had changed, which resulted in alcohol addiction. Cassidy admits he made a mistake and said he has been clean and sober since his arrest.Police Chief Ronald Madigan, who recommended Cassidy’s termination, said it is departmental procedure not to comment on personnel matters, arbitration and/or pending litigation.