NH town board upholds officer suspension

EPPING (AP) — The Epping Board of Selectmen says a local police officer can keep his job, but it upheld a six-day suspension levied against the officer earlier this year.

The board said Officer Bradley Jardis will be able to keep is job pending the results of an independent psychological evaluation.

Jardis claimed he was harassed because he has publicly called for the legalization of drugs.

The New Hampshire Union Leader says about 70 people attended the Monday hearing, which was opened to the public by Jardis.

The suspension was ordered by Police Chief Gregory Dodge in August. It stemmed from a dispute between Jardis and a superior.

Last month Dodge recommended that Jardis be fired.

Dodge denies Jardis was singled out because of his stand on drugs.