Panel refuses to dismiss officers

Sunday, Feb. 28, 1999 | 9:21 a.m.

The Reno Civil Service Commission voted Thursday against a request by Police Chief Jerry Hoover to lay off Mark Markiewicz and Lynn Drake, who have been on restricted duty for nearly two years.

The action was criticized by City Attorney Patricia Lynch, who said she was reviewing legal options to reverse the move.

But police union members said it was the correct action because the law is unconstitutional and eventually will be overturned.

The law, a 1996 amendment to the Brady Bill, made possession of a firearm by a domestic-violence offender illegal.

Markiewicz pleaded guilty in 1998 to battery on his wife. Drake pleaded guilty four years ago to disturbing the peace after his ex-wife claimed his discipline of their daughter constituted abuse.

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