Fired officer reinstated

Eunice police patrolwoman Talya Fruge, who was fired a year ago, was reinstated during a Eunice Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Board hearing Thursday.
“Just happy with the decision,” Fruge said after the hearing.
Fruge was given a seven-day suspension, which was included in the time she missed after her termination on May 13, 2014. She also was given back pay.
Fruge was fired upon the recommendation of former Police Chief Ronald Dies following an incident in which she and Jade Weaver were accused of failing to assist an officer during an altercation.
Current Police Chief Randy Fontenot said he reviewed the case and found Fruge did not act inappropriately.
“One reason for her appeal is that the penalty is too severe, too harsh,” Fontenot said during the hearing. “I’m inclined to agree with her on that.”
Fontenot said Mayor Rusty Moody and city attorney Vernon McManus agreed to the reinstatement.
Fruge returned to work Friday and was to be given her work schedule, Fontenot said.
Another officer involved in the April 2014 incident, Jade Weaver returned to work last year. Weaver had been on the job for eight weeks when the incident occurred.
The incident was a vehicle hitting Bertrand’s Printing on North 8th Street. The driver and a third officer on the scene reportedly scuffled.
Fruge and Weaver were accused of not helping the third officer.
Fontenot said Fruge was standing guard of the vehicle, which she suspected was touching a live electrical wire.
When Fruge and Weaver arrived the driver showed signs of having been shocked, he said.
Fontenot said there are other factors involved and his investigation is continuing.
Following judicial rulings, Fruge’s case had been scheduled for a full hearing before the civil service panel.