Said He Was Reprimanded For Calling Attention To To The Charity Auctions Of Helicopter Rides

A former Glendale, CA policeman who sued after he says he faced official retaliation for calling attention to the alleged auction of rides in a police helicopter for charities has settled his lawsuit with the city.

Former officer David Gillispe had sued the city after he said he was transferred from his position as a pilot to regular patrol after he alleged that the passenger flights violated FAA regulations. He later suffered a work-related back injury and retired from the force after 16 years.

The Los Angeles Times reports that the department had allowed schools and charities to auction off rides in the department helicopter for a minimum bid of $500. The practice is allowed by the FAA as long as they comply with parameters set by the agency on starting and ending points and distance traveled.

The Glendale City Attorney maintains that the city did nothing wrong in auctioning the rides. The suit had been filed in Los Angeles Superior Court. It was dismissed last week. Both parties agreed that the city would destroy or seal documents related to the case, and Gillispe was awarded $450,000.

FMI: www.lasuperiorcourt.org