Embattled Fountain Hill police officer Grady Cunningham has resigned.
In exchange for his resignation, which became effective Friday, borough council agreed to pay Cunningham $35,000 and give him a “neutral” reference.
Cunningham was fired in February 2013 after he allegedly used excessive force on a suspect in June 2012 in the police department’s holding cell. An arbitrator reinstated him in August 2013, but he was placed on paid administrative leave soon afterward and has not patrolled the borough since, Council President Larry Rapp said.
Council at a special meeting this afternoon voted 4-2 to accept his resignation and approve the separation agreement, which prevents Cunningham from suing Fountain Hill or seeking additional compensation from the borough going forward. Helen Halleman and Philip Trabel dissented; Carolee Gifford got caught up at work and narrowly missed the 4:30 p.m. meeting.
