Northern Cambria Mayor suspends Police Chief, issues head to court

NORTHERN CAMBRIA, Pa. (WTAJ) — An ongoing dispute between the Mayor of Northern Cambria and its Police Chief has now been taken to court.

Chief Derek Stitt and Mayor Lisa Mays began arguing earlier this year over the appointment of a school resource officer and Mays’ alleged treatment of the department’s single female officer, who is also the only K-9 Officer.

In January, the Borough Council addressed the Mayor’s interference with police matters and her treatment of the female officer. The officer claimed that the Mayor was hostile toward her and repeatedly called her “farm girl,” instead of officer.

Over the summer, police noted the Mayor and Borough Manager, Claudine Nagle, were caught with confidential police files. Nagle was ultimately charged with obstruction of justice. Days later, Mayor Mays suspended Chief Stitt, citing his absence at a meeting that took place while he was on vacation as cause.

Chief Stitt tried to resign in July, stating that it was due to the harassment he received from the Mayor. Now, Stitt has filed a lawsuit against the Mayor and the Borough.

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The Attorney General’s Office issued several warrants last month on the Northern Cambria Police Department as part of its investigation into the matter.

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