BALTIMORE, Md. — Due to an unexpected family emergency, BPD Commissioner nominee Joel Fitzgerald will not be in Baltimore for the scheduled community meetings planned for this week.
According to the Mayor's office, Fitzgerald's son has to undergo a medical emergency which requires immediate surgery.
Councilman Kristerfer Burnett says that although the community meetings are canceled, the City Council hearing scheduled for public input will take place on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at City Hall. Another public hearing will go on as schedule at 5 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 7, as well.
Meetings will be rescheduled based on Fitzgerald's availability and the schedules of other key stakeholders.
Council President Jack Young released the following statement on the postponed meetings:
“Members of the Baltimore City Council would like to extend their thoughts and prayers to the family of Dr. Joel Fitzgerald, whose 12-year-old son is battling an unexpected medical emergency. Members of the City Council are praying for a speedy recovery for Mr. Fitzgerald's son. On Saturday, January 5, from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m, members of the City Council’s Executive Appointments Committee will gather at City Hall for a public hearing to receive testimony from citizens. The purpose of the January 5 public hearing is to allow citizens a direct line to their elected representatives who are tasked with considering this particular nomination. Dr. Fitzgerald will not be in attendance at the January 5 public hearing. That day is reserved for members of the public to share their thoughts directly with the City Council. We want to hear from you in advance of our vote on the nominee. The hearing scheduled for Monday, January 7 is likely to be rescheduled"
ALSO RELATED: Report on Fitzgerald shows concern over past officer discipline decisions
We will continue to update this story as it becomes available.
