Tuesday, October 19, 2021

Kinga Borondy Article, Transcript MICHAEL DURHAM IS BACK! Medford's veterans services director returns after being declared fit for duty Kinga Borondy Wicked Local

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Medford's veterans services director returns after being declared fit for duty

Kinga Borondy
Wicked Local
    After being walked from his office in Medford City Hall by police, barred from all city buildings even the schools his children attend and spending a month on paid leave fretting about the residents he could not help, Veterans Services Director Michael Durham was invited back to his job in a letter from Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn dated Oct. 15.
Michael Durham was declared fit for work as director of veterans services after two psychiatric evaluations; one paid for by Durham on his own initiative by a doctor and nurse from the Veterans Memorial Hospital in Bedford, and also by a psychiatrist chosen by the city. In a letter to Durham dated Oct. 15, Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn directs him to return to work Monday, Oct. 18

In the letter, she recognizes the findings by the psychiatrist selected and paid for by the city indicating Durham is “psychologically healthy and fit to return to duty as Director of Veteran’s Service.” The mayor’s letter orders Durham to report for duty at his regular time, Monday, Oct. 18.

Smiles, waves and shouts of welcome back greeted Durham as he walked from the parking lot into City Hall. In her letter, the mayor wishes him "the best on your return to work."

"It's good to be back," he said as he walked through the side door, closest to his office.

Durham, who funded his own psychiatric evaluation a week after being place on administrative leave Sept. 17, accessing mental health professionals at the Veteran’s Memorial Hospital in Bedford, said Sunday he is eager to return to his post. 

“It’s been hellacious,” Durham said. 

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