Judge approves agreement in Mathey case

Comments (...)

E-mail this story

Print this story

Comments

Share

SYCAMORE – A six-month dispute between Sycamore Fire Lt. Kurt Mathey and the city ended Thursday afternoon, when a joint agreement was signed by all parties involved.

The agreement requires that Mathey, who was charged with eavesdropping in May, serve a five-day suspension from his duties at the Sycamore Fire Department. Within that five-day period, Mathey would have worked two shifts at the fire department, said Rick Turner, one of his attorneys.

The final agreement dismisses a grievance against the fire department and settled both criminal charges and outstanding fire department disciplinary issues against Mathey.

The resolution was announced at a news conference Thursday afternoon. Held at Sycamore City Hall, the conference happened just before Mathey’s hearing in court, during which DeKalb County Presiding Judge Kurt Klein approved a request to dismiss the eavesdropping charge.

“Before I enter the order I would like to say a few things,” Klein said. “... I know the parties here to be reasonable people and I know that emotions regarding this matter ran high in our community. But one of the reasons I feel good about this ... is because of the work of the Sycamore Police Department.”

The facts of the case were accurately gathered by investigators within the department, he said, and there were “no mysteries.”

The eavesdropping charge against Mathey stemmed from an audio recording he made at a May 1 meeting, using a digital camera. The meeting was between department brass and union representatives and was called to form a plan to improve morale following tense labor negotiations.

Mathey was among those representing the union at that meeting and was filling in for the secretary – a role he’d never taken on before.

“The date of the incident was the date ... that parties agreed to meet to talk about how we could move forward together,” said City Manager Bill Nicklas at the news conference. “We would like to get back to that. We feel that this is ... a good step in the direction of a new day and better relations.”

Mathey has apologized for his actions, DeKalb County First Assistant State’s Attorney Bill Engerman said, and the agreement was the culmination of a concerted effort.

“The International Association of Firefighters Local 3046, Lt. Mathey and the City of Sycamore recognize the importance of the line firefighters and commanders as being able to work together toward the goal of public safety,” Engerman said after reading the agreement. “... This was the appropriate action to take for all of those individuals involved and everyone’s interest plays a part in this decision.”

Mathey declined to comment on the agreement following the hearing, and Turner, his attorney, simply said, “We’re glad it’s over.”

“For him to be able to take this rock off his shoulders ... I know is a big relief,” Turner said on behalf of Mathey at the news conference. “He looks forward to going back to serving the community as a lieutenant in the fire department without having the shadow that was over him before.”

For video from the press conference, please click here.

Comments