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By JOHN DECKER; Times Leader Staff Writer
Tuesday, April 15, 1997     Page: 2A

LAFLIN BOROUGH — A police officer who has been fired from three area
police departments and was once called a “cowboy on wheels” was promoted
Monday to sergeant of the Laflin Borough Police Department.
   
In a unanimous decision, council voted to promote Michael Flanagan at its
regular meeting.
    Throughout the past decade, Flanagan has had his share of professional
problems.
   
In July 1988, Exeter Borough Council fired the then 23-year-old Flanagan
after a group of approximately 60 residents demanded the officer’s dismissal.
   
Residents demanded his badge after he allegedly pursued a bicyclist through
borough streets for going through a stop sign.
   
That marked the third time the part-time officer was fired by area police
departments.
   
According to a 1989 Times Leader story, Flanagan was fired by both the
White Haven and Freeland police departments for failing to appear at court
hearings.
   
Disciplinary action was also taken against the officer by the Larksville
Police Department for the same complaint.
   
Nearly eight years later, Frank Magdalinski, the Laflin council president,
says Flanagan is a different type of police officer.
   
“Since (Flanagan) has been a patrolman for the borough, his conduct has
been exemplary,” Magdalinski said.
   
Flanagan serves as a senior full-time patrolman and his new title does not
come with a pay increase. Magdalinski says Flanagan is paid $20,000 to $21,000
a year.
   
In a summary of the job description for sergeant, Flanagan’s primary
responsibility is exacting the proper performance of police duties from the
officers assigned to his supervision. The sergeant is responsible for
first-line supervision, with some management responsibilities.
   
Flanagan, the son of Laflin Solicitor Joseph Flanagan, could not be reached
for comment Monday night.
   
In other business, council voted unanimously to create two part-time police
patrolman positions. Council said the funds will come from a federal grant,
which will cover 75 percent of the costs.