SPRINGFIELD (IL)
State Journal Register
January 7, 2019
By Crystal Thomas
The city of Springfield has fired a City Water, Light and Power employee whose name appeared on a list of Catholic priests credibly accused of child sex abuse.
Joseph D. Cernich, 62, had been a technical support specialist in CWLP’s information systems division. He was laicized, or stripped of his priestly title, in June 2003 and began working for the city five months later.
After an investigation into his hiring and employment, the city mailed Cernich notice he was no longer employed, according to Human Resources Director Jim Kuizin. Cernich was on paid administrative leave during the investigation, and his “day of separation” from the city was Dec. 28.
Kuizin declined comment when asked for the cause of Cernich’s firing.
Cernich’s annual salary had been $57,000. He did not receive severance pay but was paid for unused vacation and compensatory time, Kuizin said.
According to city policy, if an HR investigation yields a recommendation for disciplinary action, the mayor decides whether the recommendation should be followed. Mayor Jim Langfelder did not have a comment on the matter.
Cernich has until the 10th day after receiving his termination notice to decide whether to appeal the city’s decision through the Springfield Civil Service Commission or arbitration. A request for comment from Cernich was not answered.
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