Ex-Danville officer said to appeal firing in killing of dog

DANVILLE -- Fired Danville police officer Murrill McLean, who shot and killed a miniature dachshund named Killer on June 8, has decided to appeal the department's decision to terminate his employment, a police department source said Thursday.

First, McLean's appeal will work its way through the Danville Police Department. Police Chief Philip Broadfoot will issue the final ruling for the department, which also can be appealed.

McLean can then take his case before Danville City Manager Lyle Lacy if he disagrees with Broadfoot's ruling. After Lacy's ruling, the final stop would be a three-person tribunal appointed by the city. Its decision would be binding.

Broadfoot fired McLean after further investigating the shooting. The chief initially stood by McLean but eventually reversed his decision after investigating the shooting himself.

On the evening of June 8, McLean went to the 100 block of Berman Drive to serve warrants. The 11-year-old miniature dachshund, which was owned by the neighbors next door, was growling as it approached the officer from behind.

McLean fired one shot that killed the dachshund.

Matt Tomsic is a staff writer for the Danville Register & Bee in Danville.