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Eagle signs $115,749 settlement with former police chief

Guide Larry Evans discusses a mushroom found during a mountain excursion. Evans will return to Eagle next weekend for the annual Wild Mushroom and Wine Weekend, planned Aug. 22-24. The event includes forraging, mushroom identification lessons and dining. To learn more or to sign up visit www.EagleMushroomWeekend.com.
Enterprise file photo |

A month after an announcement that Eagle Police Chief Rodger McLaughlin had been placed on paid administrative leave, Tuesday night the Eagle Town Board approved a $115,729 severance/separation agreement and accepted his retirement letter.

McLaughlin submitted a retirment letter dated Aug. 6, noting his retirement was affective that date contingent upon the town board approval of the settlement.

“After 33 years as a law enforcement officer and seven years as the chief of police of Eagle, I am ready to move on to the next phase of life. It has been a pleasure serving as the chief of police and an honor to serve the citizens of this great community,” states McLaughlin’s letter.



The town board approved the severance without discussion, but members had adjourned into a 30-minute executive session for personnel discussions at the beginning of the meeting, prior to approving the agreement.

In the severance, the town agreed to pay $91,129 — one-year’s base salary to McLaughlin. Additionally the town agreed to pay $4,620 as a car allowance and an additional $20,000. McLaughlin agreed that his disability and life insurance coverage through the town would cease effective his Aug. 6 separation date and that his health insurance coverage through the town will cease Aug. 31.

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Money for the $115,749 severance agreement will come from three sources. CIRSA, the member-owned self insurance pool of Colorado municipalities, will pay approximately 60 percent of the base salary amount. The money budgeted for the chief’s salary through the end of the year will be applied to the settlement leaving a shortfall of approximately $42,000 that the town has not budgeted.

As part of the severance agreement, both the town and McLaughlin agreed that they will not institigate any future litigation regarding his employment or the terms of his departure. Additionally, the town issued an official statement that reads “Rodger D. McLaughin served as the town of Eagle Police Chief between 2006 and 2014. Durign tha time, Chief McLaughlin made significant improvements to the police department. During his time as Chief of Police, Mr. McLaughlin demonstrated leadership, selfless service and commitment to the citizens of Eagle. After 33 years in law enforcement, Chief McLaughlin retired in 2014.”

Eagle Sergeant Karl J. Staufer was appointed acting chief July 8 and will continue carrying out chief’s duties until further notice.


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