Chiefs recommend discipline against officers in Tahoe brawl

Wednesday, Dec. 18, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

Officers Patrick Dreelan and Joe Burfield were arrested on misdemeanor charges when things got out of hand at a bachelor's party at Nero's 2000 Nightclub at Caesars Tahoe.

A number of other off-duty officers also were present at the Oct. 13 party.

Witnesses complained the officers threatened customers, interfered with casino security staff, threatened Douglas County sheriff's deputies and tried to prevent Dreelan and Burfield's arrest.

Acting Police Chief Jim Weston said on Tuesday that deputy chiefs made the disciplinary recommendations following a two-month investigation.

The chiefs have recommended Dreelan be fired.

A 45-day suspension without pay and reassignment to the patrol division was recommended for Sgts. Dave Evans and Doug Evans, who are brothers. Weston said they had agreed to accept the disciplinary action.

A 40-day suspension was recommended for Burfield.

The chiefs also recommended a 20-day suspension for Officer Charles Lovitt; 15 days for Officer Mark Jordan and four days for Officer Robert Chavez.

Two other officers were cleared of wrongdoing.

Weston said the officers can appeal the recommendations under civil service regulations and employee labor agreements.

The misdemeanor charges against Dreelan and Burfield are pending in Douglas County.