WHITEHALL, Ohio (WCMH) – The City of Whitehall has agreed to rescind the termination of a police officer who spoke out against the police department last July.

According to a release from the Fraternal Order of Police, officer Enrique Ortega’s termination has been rescinded effective immediately. The FOP said that Ortega, who was fired July 5, will receive “more back pay than he would have been eligible for in an arbitration award” and will be able to retire from the Whitehall Police Department “in good standing”.

“A mutual agreement has been reached that satisfies both parties, ensuring a resolution that upholds the integrity of our organization,” Whitehall Chief of Police Mike Crispen said, “While resignation was always an option, the ultimate agreement reflects our commitment to maintaining a professional and accountable workplace.

“We appreciate the FOP’s recognition of the agreement, and we are likewise confident that this outcome is in the best interest of all involved. Ultimately, we determined that his continued employment was not in the organization’s best interest, and he will not be returning.”

Ortega, a union representative for Whitehall police, was let go after Public Safety Director Van Gregg conducted a pre-disciplinary hearing that was investigating union-protected activities, along with a conversation Ortega had with Mayor Michael Blevins. The conversation referred to low morale within the police department as well as a hostile and retaliatory culture.

The FOP alleged that Ortega was discriminated against and targeted after conducting the survey and it sued the city over Ortega’s firing.

Crispen accused Ortega of unsafe acts with weapons, making negative comments to the public about the department and a “substantiated complaint involving racial profiling.”

In a statement, FOP Capital City Lodge President Brian Steel said, “There are some bad cops out there, but Enrique Ortega isn’t one of them. He found himself in this situation because he had the intestinal fortitude to speak out against a hostile, retaliatory, and toxic management culture. … The FOP stood by him and justice has now prevailed.”