SIMI VALLEY : Lieutenant Appeals Order to Retire

A Simi Valley police lieutenant who has been ordered to take a medical disability retirement appealed the order Monday, saying he is still fit to serve.

Although city officials would not elaborate on the medical condition of Lt. Robert C. Klamser, 40, his attorney, William Rehwald, said the city claims Klamser was “never psychologically fit to be a police officer.”

The city ordered Klamser’s retirement after it sent him to a psychologist for an evaluation, said Rehwald, who called the retirement order “outrageous.”

Earlier this month, Klamser sued the city and a Simi Valley police captain in Ventura County Superior Court, saying they conspired to oust him after he reported what he thought were improprieties in the department.

Klamser, an 18-year veteran whose annual salary is $66,000, was placed on paid suspension in February pending the result of an internal investigation, the nature of which was not disclosed.

Last month the city completed the investigation, took Klamser off the payroll and filed the retirement order.

To address Klamser’s appeal, the city will arrange a meeting with Klamser to try to reach an agreement, said city Risk Manager James Bartholomew. If no agreement can be reached, a hearing will be scheduled within 90 days.