New Britain herald., 1922-08-29
Brother Patrolmen Testify That Accused Was Not Under Influence of Liquor as Charged.

Patrolman Thomas Tierney, who Twas suspended from the police force
 by Chief William c. Hart on Sunday
 morning after charges of being under
 the influence of liquor while on duty, had been preferred by Sergeant George Ellinger, was last night found
 not guilty of the charges on the testi-
 money as presented The action was
 taken at a special meeting of the
 police commission, presided over by
 Chairman David l.. Dunn. and with
 Commissioners Thomas F. Jackson,
 Edwin A. Parker and William F.
 Lange in attendance.
 The complainant In the case and Sergeant John J. King, who was on duty at the desk on Sunday morning,
 when the accused policeman was brought to the station by the street sergeant, and Patrol Driver Michael
 Brophy were the only witnesses to substantiate the charges. On the other hand, Patrolman Tierney had an array of brother members in the department who testified as to his condition as they saw it both before and after the occurrence. Two civil ians, John J. Kiniry and Ferd l.. Me
 Enroe also spoke in the defense of the accused officer. It was just midnight when the final decision was arrived lat.
 After a number of lesser matters had been disposed of by the board. the case of Patrolman Tierney was called. On entering the room, the accused policeman was appriscd of his rights of having three days in which to take up the charges before proceeding with a plea.
 The accused policeman announced that he had large number of wit nesses ol hand and that he was ready to proceed with the hearing. Clerk Joseph McGrail read the charges as presented by Sergeant Ellinger, and the police of the suspension by Chief Hart. Policeman Tierney pleaded not guilty to the charge.
 Sergeant Ellinger Testifles.
 Sergeant Ellinger was the first wit ness. He said that about o'clock Sunday morning he met Policeman Tierney and Policeman Delbert Veley at Booths corner on Main street When Tierney stood there awhile he noticed that he was under the in- fluence of liquor, although the ser tgeant said the policeman had very little to say. A short time later, Tier South church corner to put in his ring. After he had left, the sergeant i said he remarked to Policeman Veley, | "Tierney's drinking again, and I won- der if he thinks he is getting away with anything?"
 The sergeant said that he then walked down the street and on reach | ing the signal box. he found no trace of the policeman. He retraced his | steps and walking Up Main street a l short distance he came across the policeman. The sergeant said that he spoke to the policeman about drink ng, telling him that he was going to ake him to the station. The police nan at first demurred about accom- his superior officer, but later le went along to headquarters. After le had been brought before Sergeant King, who was doing desk duty at he time, the latter ordered him to lon civilian clothes.
 The witness said that Sergeant King also advised Tierney to take the natter up with Chief Hart in the morning. when he was in a condition 0 do so.
 Commissioner Parker asked the if Tierney staggered, to which the witness answered in the negative He said that Tierneys eyes md breath betrayed his alleged condi- ion Commissioner Lange questioned he sergeant in regard to whether or lot the policeman was able to do his luty. Sergeant Ellinger said that rierney was doing his duty as far as 1e could see, but to a question by Commissioner Jackson, the sergeant said that in his opinion the police nan was in such a condition to war ant the action he had taken,
 The witness said that previous to lis turning Tierney in at the station house, he last saw him at 12:40 o'clock, and at the time he had a leepy look in his eyes. He would not ay however, that he had been drink ng before that time. Chairman Dunn then asked the sergeant his method of checking up the times he net the various policemen during the light. The chairman also asked the ergeant If, in his opinion, Tierney ' vas in a condition to make an arrest lad the occasion presented itself. Ellinger said, He might . make a mess of it.
 Commissioner Parker then asked . 1llinger if he would bring in man or showing signs of liquor. to which 7 he witness said mo-" but Tierney's as was different. The sergeant then vent into generalities somewhat, re- { erring to a previous infraction of the { ules by Tierney. 1
 It was the claim of Sergeant ,llinger at this juncture, that he did ot bring Tierney in to prosecute him. Ia said that in his oninjon Tierney's