Sickels fired, Christensen in line

Creston Mayor Warren Woods announced Thursday that Creston Assistant Police Chief John Sickles has been terminated and Police Chief Jamie Christensen remains on paid leave. The two have been charged with second-degree sexual abuse resulting from an incident involving an employee of Crestmoor Golf Club, which occurred in the early morning hours of April 18. “As of 1 p.m. today (Thursday) John Sickels was terminated,” said Woods. “He is no longer on the force.” In a Creston News Advertiser interview this morning Woods confirmed that a pre-employment/termination meeting was held with Sickels Wednesday morning and Sickels was given until noon Thursday to resign or he would be terminated. Sickels did not resign. Woods also confirmed that a pre-employment/termination meeting will be held with Christensen and his attorney today and Christensen will be given the option of resigning. Woods said he will make an additional announcement Tuesday morning. Woods also confirmed that if Sickels applies for unemployment and it is approved the city will pay. “The city is self-insured,” said Woods. “If he does get unemployment, the city will have to pay that amount.” Woods said he was not sure what the percentage of the current salary would have to be paid out in unemployment. In a Creston News Advertiser interview this morning, former Creston Mayor Mike Tamerius said the termination of Sickels could be an expensive move for the citizens of Creston. “They would have to pay the usual unemployment amount,” said Tamerius. “The normal rule of thumb, I think, you get 80 percent of your salary.” Tamerius said he believes the city had other options to consider. Tamerius said both men could have been demoted to a lesser position at a lesser pay rate. He also said also the termination could lead to a wrongful termination lawsuit against the city if either man is found to be innocent of the charge. “I basically don’t feel they’re erring on the side of caution,” he said. “This is a huge liability to the city. You just can’t put the community at financial risk like this.” —————— Stephani Finley can be reached at (641) 782-2141 ext. 237 or sfinley@crestonnews.com