Steve TysonCLEVELAND, Tenn. - Lt. Steve Tyson, a 27-year veteran of the Cleveland Police Department who was recently fired for violations of its alcohol and drug policies, has been rehired.
On Thursday, Tyson returned to work after he, his wife and son signed a release declaring that they would sue the city over his Aug. 18 dismissal.
On Friday, several members of the Cleveland City Council pressed City Manager Janice Casteel and Police Chief David Bishop for answers regarding the investigation and firing of Tyson.
"We followed the procedures ... for the police department," said Casteel. "They don't have that discretion as to whether to pick this one or that one."
Tyson was relieved of duty July 2 after testing positive on a random drug screening, said Evie West, public information officer for the Cleveland Police Department.
His family, friends and co-workers packed a City Council meeting earlier this week, stating that Tyson's only mistake was take one of his son's prescription pain pills to relieve aches caused by a kidney stone.
"I'm disappointed, I don't mind telling you that," said City Councilman Dale Hughes about Tyson's firing. "I've had more calls on this than anything [else] since I've been on the Council. I've also had three personal visits."
See complete story in Saturday's Times Free Press.