Town of Tonawanda Board alleges police officers participated in strike

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- The Town of Tonawanda Board has alleged that Tonawanda police officers wrote fewer tickets or ignored violations as part of a three-week strike that began in mid-January.

The board is expected to charge its police union on Monday with violating the state's Taylor Law following an investigation that discovered the alleged strike.

According to Town Supervisor Joe Emminger, the strike began in mid-January. Officials believe the alleged strike was a response from the police union after an officer -- who has since resigned -- was disciplined.

“This is public safety of the town, and it was jeopardized here," Emminger said. "What happened if there was an accident and the investigation found later that an officer ignored someone speeding and they ran a red light and hit somebody?”

In a statement, Tonawanda Police Club president Andy Thompson said: "Today's egregious and baseless resolution to sue our union is further evidence of the concerted effort by the Town Board to protect the Chief of Police at all costs, even going so far as to destroy our union. ... We will not be intimidated by the Chief or the Town Board and we will fight this meritless lawsuit vigorously."

The Town of Tonawanda learned of the alleged strike earlier this month. New York State law requires the town to investigate and file a report within 60 days.

The town board is expected to adopt a resolution on Monday to hire outside counsel.