Fired Owasso Police Officers Fight to Get Their Badges Back

Two former police officers are fighting for their badges this morning.<br><br>The men believe they were wrongly fired from their jobs in Owasso more than a year ago, but the city refuses to re-hire them.<br><br>Burl

Monday, October 15th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Two former police officers are fighting for their badges this morning.

The men believe they were wrongly fired from their jobs in Owasso more than a year ago, but the city refuses to re-hire them.

Burl Cox and Mike Denton say they were just doing their job, but some city leaders wanted them out.

Cox says they accused him of using excessive force against an inmate - then dismissed him after an internal investigation. Denton was accused of letting the behavior go unreported.

The collective bargaining contract with the city calls for arbitration, but the city wasn't satisfied with the arbitrator's decision.

Larry Mitchell, Owasso City Manager: "Our appeal is basically we feel the arbitrators exceeded their authority in rendering their decision."

Burl Cox-Former Owasso Police Officer: "They ordered the city to put us back to work immediately with all back pay, no loss of any pay and no punishment whatsoever."

The city says it will continue to appeal.

Both men say they will also take this issue as far as it needs to go.