Mattawa Police Chief Let Go by City

The City of Mattawa fired its Police Chief Joe Harris last Friday.

Mayor Maria Celeya placed Harris on administrative leave March 30th before firing him April 9th.

According to our news partner iFIBER ONE, the lawyer for Harris said that the former chief was wrongfully terminated and has not been provided evidence for his firing. Harris is now suing both Mayor Celeya and the City of Mattawa, alleging the mayor has been trying to force Harris out of his position since taking office last December.

The city stated in a press release that it made the "very difficult decision to separate employment with Chief Harris" and that the decision to fire Harris was made "in good faith and for cause under the civil service rules" after affording Harris all the protections as a public employee. Mattawa officials deny any alleged discrimination or retaliation.