Former Washington Chief Awarded $24 Million for Wrongful Termination

A former Port of Seattle police chief fired three years ago after 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 a Port investigation. That probe came after racial discrimination complaints were made by Port police Officer Yandle Moss against superior officers, including Covey. Moss sued the Port in July 2020 for failing to provide records of the investigation, and settled in February 2021.

The Port fired Covey that August, a year after placing him on administrative leave. Covey sued the Port in December 2022 for wrongful termination in violation of public policy that stemmed from his frustration over the investigation, the Seattle Times reports.

Jake Downs, the Seattle attorney representing Covey, argued during the six-week trial that the Port’s timing capitalized on the racial uprising after the murder of George Floyd. Covey was placed on administrative leave weeks after Floyd died in custody of Minneapolis police on May 25, 2020.

Jurors ultimately found in favor of Covey’s wrongful termination accusation. The jury awarded Covey $1.7 million in economic damages due to his lost salary and benefits. Covey made about $300,000 a year, plus benefits, when he was fired.

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.