Local blog Friends for Fullerton's Future is reporting officers Joe Wolfe and Manuel Ramos have been handed termination papers. The information was leaked to the blog by an anonymous source inside the Fullerton Police Department who said the firing stems from the officers' refusal to talk to independent investigator Michael Gennaco. Attorney Gennaco was hired by the city following concerns of a cover up in the aftermath of the Kelly Thomas beating. Both officers were involved in the deadly attack last July, but so far, only Ramos and another officer, Jay Cicinelli, have been charged in the death. A call to Fullerton Police Spokesman Jeff Stuart wasn't immediately returned.
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After the Thomas beating, the six involved officers remained on active duty until pressure brought about by the Friends for Fullerton's Future blog influenced the department to take them off the streets. Last week, a group of angry citizens which included Ron Thomas, the father of the slain man, confronted councilmembers on the decision to keep the officers employed.
In other news, Ramos and Cicinelli, who an Orange County Superior Court Judge ruled can face trial, saw their arrainment carried over today. They are due back in court on June 26.
