Former Salisbury police officer says he was fired after raising safety concerns

SALISBURY, N.C. — A former Salisbury police officer said he was fired for raising safety concerns about how officers are trained.

After 22 years on the job, Kenny Lane is worried his reputation is ruined.

A Salisbury city spokesperson said City Manager Doug Paris is reviewing the appeal, also known as a grievance, filed by Lane.

Lane said he met with city officials on Friday, asking for his job back and his name cleared.

"They felt it easier to get rid of me than fix the problem," Lane said.

He said before Taser training in August, officers were told they could choose whether to be shot with a Taser. He said on the day of training, the supervising officer said they had to do it or leave.

Lane said he tried to explain his concerns but was ordered to leave several times, so he obeyed.

Lane stated in a memo to the department that members of his squad told him some officers were shocked with a Taser repeatedly, and one was shot despite having a doctor's note. Others were shocked if they didn't reload or run an obstacle race fast enough.

"To treat it like some kind of frat party, you're going to get somebody hurt in training," Lane said.

Lane said after interviews about his memo with the department and city officials, he was terminated in November. The termination letter cited insubordination and false accusations.

He also signed a form requiring him to answer questions for the administrative investigation -- answers that would not be permitted for use in any criminal investigation.

Lane said he answered everything except giving the names of the other officers who also had concerns, referring to them as "members of his squad" instead.

It was another violation and grounds for termination, the letter, signed by Human Resources Manager Ruth Kennerly, stated.

Lane said he was trying to protect his fellow officers.

"I'm sure they'd be retaliated against just like I was," Lane said.

Eyewitness News attempted to contact the city manager and assistant city manager, Zach Kyle, but was informed they were unavailable.

City spokesperson Elaney Hasselman said they won't make statements until the city makes a decision in Lane's appeal.

Lane said to support his case, he even took a private polygraph test and that the results show he was truthful.

Lane said if he doesn't win his appeal, he plans to sue.

WSOC