WASHINGTON -- A federal board has ordered the reinstatement of a U.S. Park Police chief who was fired in 2004 after complaining publicly that her department was understaffed and underfunded.
The Merit Systems Protection Board, in a decision Tuesday, also ordered that the U.S. Department of the Interior pay Teresa Chambers back pay, interest and other benefits.
Chambers had contended that she was dismissed in retaliation for exposing staffing and security problems and claimed protection under the federal Whistleblower Protection Act. The Department of Interior said Chambers was fired for insubordination and failing to follow the chain of command.
Dave Barna, spokesman for National Park Service, says the agency is reviewing the decision.
