A Warren police lieutenant who admitted to using racial slurs in two housing complexes in August was cleared Wednesday for a promotion. But he'll have to work with the area's ministerial association and make an apology for his behavior first.
The city's Civil Service Commission Wednesday, at the request of Safety-Service Director Doug Franklin, certified Lt. Joseph Marhulik for his promotion to captain. If promoted, he'll fill the spot left open by Chief Tim Bowers when he was sworn in.
Franklin said earlier this week that before Marhulik is promoted, he must meet again with members of the Trumbull County Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance and deal with a few more issues related to the incident.
Marhulik was accused by two men in August of using racial slurs and accusing them of having drugs. He also was armed and using a city-issued car while under the influence of both alcohol and prescription medication.
Marhulik admitted to the behavior in the areas of Stone Gate Apartments and Hampshire House and was issued a 10-day unpaid suspension for his actions. He'd been placed on paid administrative leave in early September and then went on sick leave.
Bowers said Wednesday he, Franklin and Marhulik recently met with members of the alliance.
"Joe didn't have to be there," Bowers said. "He came in and was remorseful and talked about what happened. Being ministers, they were very caring and forgiving men."
Bowers said the group plans to "do some other healing within the community."
Bowers said Marhulik met the requirements of the promotion before the August incident occurred.
