A former Overland Park detective has appealed his termination after he says he raised concerns about the finances of the police foundation, which led to the resignation of four officers last year.

David Zickel worked for the Overland Park Police Department for 23 years until he was fired in April. City officials said he was terminated for being untruthful, according to court documents.

The Overland Park Civil Service Commission affirmed his firing after a hearing in June. Zickel then filed an appeal in Johnson County District Court.

According to the appeal, Zickel obtained a copy of the Overland Park Police Officer’s Foundation bylaws in December 2021. The document said he was responsible for auditing the foundation’s books. He contends he was not involved in the foundation’s operations and was unaware of that duty.

New foundation board members took office in January 2022 and hired a forensic auditor after allegations of financial misconduct by past board members arose.

In March 2022, Zickel reported the misuse of funds to the police department’s Professional Standards Unit.

About two months later, four officers involved in the foundation, Timothy Tinnin, Rachel Scattergood, Brandon Faber and Bradley Heater, were placed on paid leave.

In October 2023, Johnson County District Attorney Steve Howe announced that the four officers would not be criminally charged. During the DA’s investigation, investigators found that the officers benefited from charitable funds intended for...

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