Bixby Police officer terminated

Wednesday, June 30th 2004, 9:35 am

By: News On 6

A Bixby Police officer who shot a family's dog has been terminated. Bixbyâ€™s police chief confirmed that Officer Cory Forister has been fired from the department for his actions during a class taught by the Humane Society.

News on 6 reporter Patrina Adger says Bixby Police Chief Anthony Stephens says he made the decision to fire Forister after seeing the officer make an "obscene gesture" to a News on 6 camera.

Stephens says his office was flooded with calls after the obscene hand gesture during a training session. Stephens says Forister's actions were unbecoming of a police officer and he had to let him go.

Stephens says Forister disagreed with his decision.

Forister was attending a dog aggression class after an investigation showed he could have used less lethal force when he shot a golden retriever earlier this month. Forister was on administrative leave and was supposed to return to full duty Thursday.

Stephens says Forister used deadly force without considering other available options earlier this month; the dog had to be put down.