Eckhardt’s fate in hands of city manager

The city’s Merit Board made a recommendation on what action, if any, should be taken against Maricopa Police Lt. Larry Eckhardt’s at the close of its Thursday hearing.

However, that recommendation will not be known until City Manager Brenda Fischer either upholds or rejects the recommendation.

Eckhardt, who was placed on paid administrative leave July 22 and then sent back to work by Police Chief Steven Stahl in November, requested a closed hearing.

The city has not said why Eckhardt is being investigated, citing a section of Arizona’s open records law that makes an exception for releasing information on open investigations by an employer on a police or probation officer.

On the same day Eckhardt was placed on leave, MPD Officer Miller Dao was fired and an iPad reported missing from the Salt Lake City International Airport on July 19 was traced to Maricopa.

The Merit Board is comprised of three appointed volunteers and one alternate.