Fired U.S. Park Police Chief To Be Sworn In Again

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A U.S. Park Police chief who was fired in 2004 after complaining publicly that her department was understaffed and underfunded is officially returning to her former position.

Teresa Chambers is being sworn back in on Monday by Interior Secretary Ken Salazar. Earlier this month, a federal board ordered that Chambers be reinstated, saying she's entitled to back pay, interest and other benefits. Chambers 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. She had said the police agency lacked enough officers to protect national park land, including the Washington Monument.

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