Tennessee Town Settles Lawsuit with Former Police Chief

Officials of a small West Tennessee town have decided to settle a lawsuit by the city’s former police chief.

The Trimble Board and Mayor and Aldermen have voted to pay former Chief Donna Faulkner more than $58,000 to end her lawsuit. The State Gazette reported that the city’s insurance provider will pay $25,000 of the settlement.

Mayor James Davis fired Faulkner in September 2009. She was offered reinstatement later in the month as a patrolman, but did not return to work, instead filing suit.

Davis’ attorney met with the aldermen and said Faulkner’s claimed her termination was based on her gender because she was replaced by a man.

The newly elected board made the decision to settle.

Trimble is about 15 miles northeast of Dyersburg and has about 700 residents.