Tort notice to start police chief suit against Colfax

Spokane Attorney Robert Dunn said his firm plans to initiate a civil suit on behalf of former Colfax Chief Rick McNannay. The suit will allege $5.2 million in damages allegedly sustained when McNannay was fired as Colfax chief last January.

The announcement followed a mediation session involving both sides June 20 in Spokane. Dunn June 20 said the mediation session did not resolve the dispute.

City participation in the mediation session was approved by the city council after an executive session June 17.

Dunn said the first step in the civil suit will be to file a notice of tort claim with the city. He said the city has 60 days to respond to the notice.

A Colfax Civil Service hearing on McNannay's appeal of his dismissal is scheduled to start July 29, and Dunn said he expects the civil service board decision will be known before the 60-day time frame expires on the tort notice.

McNannay was officially fired Jan. 17 after being placed on paid administrative leave Oct. 16.