Spencer police officer Bard speaks out about May firing

Published 12:00 am Monday, July 22, 2013

SPENCER — The Spencer police officer who was fired in May said he did not lie and did not deserve to lose his job.
Steve Bard had worked on the town’s police force for 13 years when Chief Michael James fired him May 1 for numerous infractions, including admitting during a pre-disciplinary conference that information Bard had provided in a March 16 statement was untruthful.
Bard told the Post he was truthful with James during the pre-disciplinary conference and never told the chief he had lied.
Bard declined to talk about the other reasons he was fired, including stopping a motor vehicle without reasonable suspicion, failing to call in the traffic stop, failing to activate his remote audio, failing to promptly obey orders to calibrate breath alcohol sensors and violating department policy regarding unbecoming conduct and professional image while sending text messages.
“I have a clear conscience and no regrets,” Bard said.
James said he does not comment on personnel matters.