Forsyth County Deputies Fight Dismissal

Eleven Sheriff's Office employees who were laid off in a shakeup by Sheriff Duane Piper have hired an attorney who promises legal action if his clients are not rehired.

Following the recent elimination of 15 positions at the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office, the laid off employees hired an attorney to get their jobs back, reports wsbtv.com.

Lance LoRusso, a former police officer and experienced litigator, according to his website, told the news station that he is appealing the former employees' dismissal. He cites at least two reasons: age discrimination and failure to give proper notification. It was also reported that Lorusso sent Piper a letter demanding that his clients be put back on the force. If Piper doesn't respond by next week, Lorusso said he would take the sheriff to court.

A call to LoRusso's office Thursday morning was not returned.

Major Rick Doyle, director of operations for the Sheriff's Office, told Cumming Patch that if the former employees believe they have a legal basis to pursue legal action against the agency, it is their right to do so.

"I'm very comfortable, I'm very confident that we did the proper research or proper homework and made the proper decision according to any and all policies and laws," said Doyle.

Last week Piper eliminated the middle management positions made up of four captains, six lieutenants and three sergeants. He also reassigned about 60 employees throughout the sheriff's office.

Piper said the purpose of the restructuring was to better serve the community and be responsive and of service to the community.

See the video of Sheriff Piper explaining the restructuring of the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office.

In addition to the appeal, it was also reported that the sheriff's office hired 11 entry-level officers, including Piper's son.

"I can tell you that the last employee hired in the sheriff's office was myself on Jan. 1 and there hasn't been another hire since," said Doyle.

As for the sheriff's son, Doyle said the son is one of several candidates who had applied for an entry-level jailer position.

"He's going through the process as many people are but he hasn't been hired yet."

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Video: Piper Restructures Forsyth County Sheriff's Office