LITH police trying to fire injured cop

The Lake in the Hills Police Department is moving to discharge an officer whom leaders have determined no longer up to the physical challenge of being a cop.

The Lake in the Hills Police Commission on Wednesday will hear Director of Public Safety Jim Wales' complaint about Officer Lee Lathrop, who twisted his right knee in July 2007 while running through an obstacle course for a weapons and tactics class, said Village Attorney Carlos Arevalo.

Lathrop, 37, had surgery on his knee for a torn meniscus. Because it was an on-the-job injury, he was entitled to his entire base salary of $74,243 without deductions in the year following the accident, Arevalo said. Under workman's compensation laws, Lathrop continues to collect two-thirds of his salary.

Lathrop joined the force in 2001 and last reported to work January 23, 2009, Arevalo said. He applied for a disability pension in July 2009, and as part of those proceedings, three pension board physicians determined his knee injury marked the end of his law enforcement career.

"If he's chasing an assailant he would end up having issues with it," Arevalo said. "They don't believe he could wrestle somebody down and that his knee, even if it's been repaired, would be somewhat compromised."

Despite the finding, Lathrop has yet to resign from the police department, Arevalo said.

Lathrop's attorney Ronald Cicinelli did not respond to an interview request.

The hearing is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Lake in the Hills Police Department, 1115 Crystal Lake Road.