Des Plaines Cop Firing OK’d by Court
Verbal, physical harassing of off-duty Des Plaines police officer at abortion demonstration led to termination, Courthouse News Service reported.
A Des Plaines police officer’s off-duty conduct at an abortion protest in 2006 was “a legitimate basis for his discharge,” U.S. District Judge James Zagel stated, according to a report by Courthouse News Service.
Dick Lalowski first approached pro-life demonstrators at a women’s healthcare clinic as a uniformed officer, then returned while off-duty in his own clothes and in his personal vehicle, Courthouse News Service reported.
In 2007 Lalowski was fired for verbally and physically harassing abortion demonstrators, on the recommendation of former Des Plaines Police Chief James Prandini, the Chicago Tribune reported.
Another account of the incidents in 2006 appears on the self-described pro-life blog by Jill Stanek.
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Rick, Des Plaines
7:35 am on Friday, October 26, 2012
I thought Officer Lalowski was a dedicated policeman. He also was a man with deep beliefs. I don't know what caused things to get out of hand the day of this conflict with the protesters, but it is a shame it cost him his career in this town.
I too am displeased with some of the graphic signs some of the prolifers use.
Renee Villani
9:09 am on Tuesday, October 30, 2012
If abortion is so tolerated, why not see exactly what it is??
bonnie throne
11:27 pm on Friday, October 26, 2012
Pro-lifers would do well to remember that 1 in 3 women will have an abortion in their lifetime. This is regrettable but a fact. Women should have access to safe health care and not be forced into back alleys and then bleed to death. If a person doesn't believe in abortion - don't have one. The pro-life people should also open their homes to unwed mothers to be - instead of creating a provocative situation picketing. The picketers need to consider that their actions are not helpful and are meant to inflame a very controversial issue. I think that firing Officer Lalowski was too severe- perhaps there was another more Christian approach.
PASTORART1974
9:54 am on Sunday, October 28, 2012
Pro Life Christians do open their homes to un-wed mothers to be. They also run many Adoption Agencies to place unwanted children in loving Christian homes. Let me suggest that 100% of unborn babies don't believe in abortion, yet they are powerless to protest, which is why Bible-believing Christians often take to the streets to protect these, the most vulnerable of our citizens.
bonnie throne
10:43 pm on Monday, October 29, 2012
Pastor, how about some forgiveness for the officer? Maybe thumb through The Holy Bible for some direction in that regard. I would imagine that the officer has a family, bills, mortgage etc. Let those without sin........- Forgiveness, PASTORART.