Chief Joseph Galaska [City of Margate]
By David Volz
The Margate Commission had a heated discussion regarding Chief Joseph Galaska and his text messages during its February 6 meeting.
The text messages, first reported by Coconut Creek Talk, used sexually charged language and discussed female officers, indicating that Galaska would not consider one woman for a promotion.
“I hope that Galaska does the right thing in the best interest of the department and city and retires,” said Commissioner Antonio Arserio. “Based on the facts presented in the third-party investigation, I will ask my colleagues to support termination if he does not resign.”
Arserio said that he didn’t believe punishment would be enough. “If he returned to work, the female officers about whom he made disparaging remarks would still have to face him.”
According to the report, the city could be liable if no action is taken.
“A retired Margate police lieutenant submitted a complaint alleging that Galaska and other high-ranking officers committed ethical and criminal violations while investigating the former police chief who is now suing the city,” said Arserio, who threatened to contact the Office of the State Attorney if the city did not investigate the allegations.
Commissioner Joanne Simone said she was very concerned about the complaints against Galaska. She is also worried about potential liability and that, under his leadership, a hostile workshop developed in the police department.
“We all make mistakes, but this is a big one. We need to take action,” said Simone, adding that the commission should not be responsible for hiring and firing the police chief.
Mayor Tommy Ruzzano supported Galaska and said leaders often deal with people wanting to bring them down. “You can’t trust anyone. I will stand by you 100 percent,” he said.
Vice Mayor Arlene Schwartz said the text messages were inappropriate, but the messages didn’t warrant dismissal. “There is progressive discipline, but I don’t believe Galaska should lose his position. There should be consequences for what he did,” she said.
Following the meeting, Galaska said that he had not sought to be a police chief but had been asked to take over the department and clean up various problems. He also considers himself a caring and fair-minded leader.
Arserio said, “If we don’t take appropriate action, then we send a message to other city employees that it is OK for bosses to talk about employees in this way.”
The commission agreed on the special meeting on Thursday, March 21, at 7:00 p.m. in chambers.
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