Reno officer fighting layoff

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Monday, April 3, 2000 | 9 a.m.

Washoe District Judge Janet Berry last week ruled the city does not need the approval of the Reno Civil Service Commission to lay off Officer Mark Markiewicz, whose conviction deprives him of the right to carry a gun under a 1996 federal law.

Mike Langton, lawyer for the Reno Police Protective Association, said he will appeal the decision to the Nevada Supreme Court.

In the meantime, he's asking Washoe District Judge Steven Elliott to review whether the matter can be settled before an arbitrator before the officer loses his job.

Elliott ordered the layoff stayed until he can hear arguments Monday.

Police Chief Jerry Hoover has said the department cannot afford to employ officers who can't carry guns.

Markiewicz, an 11-year veteran, was convicted of assault and battery against his ex-wife in 1997. He has been on restricted desk duty for the last two years.