Wash. Court of Appeals published opinion — 309941.cor.pdf

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psychologist chosen by his union. In August, Mar confirmed all symptoms found by

psychiatrist Kathleen Decker. Dr. Mar, however, believed the symptoms were "more

likely the result of personality characteristics and emotional issues than of Officer

Brownfield's head trauma from 2000." CP at 203. Mar agreed that Brownfield was

currently unfit for duty, but disagreed with Dr. Decker's finding that Jeff Brownfield

would not improve with treatment. Dr. Mar opined that Brownfield could return to full

duties within about three months of intensive counseling or psychotherapy from a mental

health counselor.

The city of Yakima provided Dr. Kathleen Decker with Dr. Norman Mar's report,

and requested an updated opinion from Decker, on Jeff Brownfield's fitness for duty. In

response, Dr. Decker stated, "[t]he answer to this question remains that Officer

Brownfield is Unfit for Duty as an armed patrol officer." CP at 188. She reaffirmed her

initial opinion of "likely" permanence considering that Mar saw Brownfield exhibit the

same symptoms of lack of emotional control and impaired judgment nearly a year after

Decker's initial examination and report. Decker opined that Brownfield is fit for civilian

No. 30994-1-111
Brownfield v. City a/Yakima

occupations, but not the "life and death decisions" required of law enforcement officers.

CP at 189. She added, "[T]he Department might offer him an unarmed position where he

might continue to contribute to law enforcement, if such is available." CP at 190.

Following the report from Kathleen Decker and Norman Mar, Jeff Brownfield

underwent counseling, from September 2006 to January 2007, with Robert Newell, PhD.