A veteran Aurora police officer arrested in Wyoming for driving a marked cruiser while impaired by alcohol has resigned and retired from the force.
An APD release said Chief Daniel Oates had accepted the resignation of Officer Bradley Bickett.
“It is unfortunate that a 31-year career of service in law enforcement was destroyed by a single day of poor judgment,” said Chief Daniel J. Oates. “I thank Brad for his decision. He made the honorable choice to retire. He has accepted responsibility. His apology will mean a great deal to his colleagues in the Department and will help put this unfortunate event behind us.”
Bickett and Officer Jerald Kirby were on their way to South Dakota to attend the funeral of an officer there who had been killed in the line of duty. They were spotted last Wednesday in Goshen County, Wyo. throwing trash from the cruiser and passing cars with the overhead lights on, even though they were not on their way to an emergency.
After they were pulled over, a deputy found beer in a cooler in the back of the cruiser and said he could smell beer on Bickett’s breath.
Bickett’s blood alcohol level was measured at .07, just under the threshhold for drunken driving. He was arrested for driving while ability impaired, and cited for speeding.
Kirby was cited for littering and remains on restricted duty at APD while an internal investigation is underway.
