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NEPBA Attorneys win summary judgement to compel Town of Springfield, Vermont to continue on to arbitration in Contract dispute.
DECISION-NEPBA v. Town of Springfield Decision
On July 19, 2022, the NEPBA filed a motion to compel arbitration against the Town of Springfield Vermont after they repeatedly refused to process a grievance filed on behalf of Ofc. Shaun Smith to arbitration, arguing that the NEPBA filed the grievance untimely and that Ofc. Smith had not been “disciplined” under the scope of the Parties’ CBA.
NEPBA legal counsel, attorney Susan Edwards, and her daughter/legal associate, attorney Rebecca Edwards, took the lead on fighting the Town in the Civil Division, submitting multiple court filings, including but not limited to a Motion for Summary Judgment. On December 6, 2022, the Windsor Civil Division’s Superior Court Judge issued a decision on the dispute. Judge Gerety found that, in fact, the Collective Bargaining Agreement did control the dispute, and that it required the Parties to arbitrate this matter. Judge Gerety found that NEPBA’s grievance had been filed timely and that Ofc. Smith had been “disciplined” under the Parties’ CBA as argued by NEPBA. Finally, Judge Gerety found that Ofc. Smith was not bound by statute in a way that prohibited arbitration of this matter. As such, Judge Gerety granted NEPBA’s Motion for Summary Judgment and ordered that both Parties proceed to arbitration as contemplated by the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Judge Gerety’s Decision is attached should you wish to review further.
NEPBA Welcomes back Law Enforcement Torch Run International Conference
After a two-year hiatus, the Law enforcement Torch Run International Conference came back for 2022. From November 3rd to the 5th Law enforcement Torch Run (LETR) Executive Boards from around the world came together to celebrate the successes of their law enforcement officers and athletes, who continue to benefit from the sporting opportunities that everyone’s hard work and compassion have provided.
The New England Police Benevolent had a number of members in attendance. Below is a photo taken of the Special Olympics Massachusetts team with NEPBA members Lt. Larry “LJ” Jedrey of Everett Superiors and Ofc. Andy Larose of Marlborough Police Department. Also, in attendance was Executive Vice President Christopher Hoar and Ofc. Tyler Seeley of the Sabattus Police Department.
Thank you all for your continued dedication and continued commitment to make a difference in the world through the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics is the largest public awareness vehicle and grass-roots fundraiser for Special Olympics. Known as Guardians of the Flame, law enforcement members and Special Olympics athletes carry the Flame of Hope into the Opening Ceremony of local competitions, and into Special Olympics State, Provincial, National, Regional and World Games. Annually, more than 100,000 dedicated and compassionate law enforcement members carry the “Flame of Hope,” symbolizing courage and celebration of diversity uniting communities around the globe.
The LETR engages law enforcement worldwide championing acceptance and inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities, starting first with their own communities.