Jury awards former Port of Seattle police chief $24.2M over wrongful firing

SEATTLE — A former Port of Seattle police chief fired three years ago following claims of workplace misconduct was awarded $24.2 million in damages by a King County jury.

Chief Rod Covey was placed on administrative leave in June 2020 after the port launched an investigation of Covey. The investigation came after racial discrimination complaints were made by Port police officer Yandle Moss against superior officers, including Covey. Moss eventually sued the port for failing to provide records of the investigation.

The port fired Covey in August 2021, a year after placing him on administrative leave. Covey sued the port in December 2022 for wrongful termination in violation of public policy.

Jake Downs, the Seattle attorney representing Covey, argued during the trial that the port’s timing capitalized on the racial uprising following the murder George Floyd. Covey was placed on administrative leave weeks after Floyd was murdered by police on May 25, 2020.

After closing arguments for the six-week trial closed midday Thursday, the jury deliberated for the rest of the day and for the first half of Monday. They ultimately ruled in favor of the wrongful termination accusation.

The jury awarded Covey $1.7 million in economic damages due to his lost salary and benefits. The jury also awarded $22.5 million in noneconomic damages, as Covey’s attorneys argued he suffered post-traumatic stress disorder following the firing that affected personal relationships with friends and family.

The Port of Seattle said in an emailed statement that it is considering an appeal.

“The Port continues to stand by its decision to terminate former Police Department Chief Rod Covey based on violations of the Port’s Code of Conduct,” the Port said. “The Port will continue to enforce its Code of Conduct and will take appropriate action when someone is found to have violated these policies.”