Salazar Reinstates Fired Park Police Chief

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Interior Secretary Ken Salazar is reinstating a former U.S. Park Police chief who was fired in 2004 after complaining publicly that her department was understaffed and underfunded.

Salazar says Teresa Chambers will return to her former position on Jan. 31. A federal board ordered last week that Chambers be reinstated, saying she is entitled to back pay, interest and other benefits. She had sued and claimed protection under the Whistleblower Protection Act.

Chambers was suspended in December 2003 and fired the following July. The Interior Department said she was fired for insubordination and failing to follow the chain of command.

Salazar said current Park Police Chief Sal Lauro will serve as a senior adviser.

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