Judge rejects claim against Ellwood City

PITTSBURGH (AP) — A federal judge has again rejected a would-be police chief's claim that a state certification agency discriminated against him due to a disability.

U.S. District Judge Terrence McVerry rejected claims by former Pittsburgh police officer Richard McDonald that the Municipal Police Officers Education and Training Commission was wrong to not recertify him when he was hired as chief in Ellwood City in 2007.

Several doctors have said a back injury didn't disable McDonald because he takes pain medication, but McVerry found the board didn't refuse to certify McDonald because of his disability — but because of the side effects of the particular pain medication he uses.

The judge had earlier dismissed the claim on a technicality last year, but had to rule again Wednesday after McDonald's successful 3rd Circuit appeal.