By ANNE LINDBERG, TB Reporter

One resigned by email but indicated he would formally retire. The other retired. It is unclear if their departures are related to an internal affairs investigation the department is conducting.

PINELLAS PARK – Two veteran police officers have left the Pinellas Park Police Department.

Lt. Scott Golczewski retired, effective Wednesday (Nov. 7), after 23 years and four months with the department. Sgt. Michael Griffith resigned Wednesday after 14 years with the department but said he would fill out retirement paperwork.

Their leaving comes when the department is conducting an internal investigation into allegations of “misconduct” by some officers who were deployed to the panhandle to help out in the wake of Hurricane Michael.

It is unclear if their departures were connected to the investigation. Department spokesman Capt. Brian Unmisig said he could “neither confirm nor deny” that either or both were subjects of the investigation..

However, both Golczewski and Griffiths apparently did go to the panhandle. They, along with Florida Gov. Rick Scott, can be seen in an Oct 23 photo on the department’s Facebook page. The caption reads: “As the clean up in the panhandle continues, our second relief group was deployed to assist. These dedicated city family members were sent to relieve the first group that responded immediately following the storm. Our officers received a personal thank you from Gov. Rick Scott as he toured the impacted areas.”

Neither referred to the investigation in their exit notices.

Golczewski’s retirement notice, written Tuesday (Nov. 6), was three sentences long:

“Please accept this memorandum as notification of my retirement, which will take place on November 7, 2018. It has been an honor working for this agency for the past 23 years and four months.

“Thank you for your attention regarding this matter.”

Griffiths’ was longer and referred to health issues. It was written Wednesday to Capt. Mark Berger, who is in command while police Chief Mike Haworth is on medical leave.

“It’s with great regret to advise you this email shall serve as my notice of resignation from the Pinellas Park Police Department, city of Pinellas Park, effective immediately. I will be completing my retirement paperwork with HR tomorrow.

“In the past 14 years of service, the agency has served as second family to me and I will miss you all. I will be present tomorrow, 11/08/2018 at 0930 hours, to provide all issued equipment to Donny and turn in my take-home vehicle. I am sorry to do this by email as we discussed due to my current health, but I wish to speak to you and Chief Haworth in the near future.”

Neither Golczewsk nor Griffiths could be reached for comment.

Photo shows the second group of Pinellas Park police officers who were deployed to the panhandle in the wake of Hurricane Michael. They are shown with Florida Gov. Rick Scott. Lt Scott Golczewski is pictured fourth from left in camouflage hat, gold badge and sunglasses. Sgt. Michael Griffiths is pictured ninth from left at front in light-colored hat and dark T-shirt with “police” in white letters. Gov. Rick Scott is in the blue shirt without sunglasses. Photo courtesy of the Pinellas Park Police Department.

Pinellas Park Police | Hurricane Michael | Panhandle | Tampabay News

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