BURGETTSTOWN, PA -- A federal jury in Pittsburgh has awarded a Weirton man $100, 000 after they found he was fired from his job as a part-time police officer because of his religious beliefs.

Terryn Risk, who used to work at the Burgettstown Police Department, told NEWS9 a small cross pin became one of the main reasons he was fired from his job.

"I couldn't understand why it was problem,” said Risk. “I mean it's just a simple little cross."

The 54-year-old former police officer said three years ago, while working at the department, he was on traffic duty when his chief told him to take off the cross.

"He said it just didn't go on a police uniform,” said Risk. “It wasn't appropriate according to him."

Risk said the department also had a problem with him requesting not to work early morning hours on Sundays because of his church services.

"It felt terrible,” said Risk. “Because why can't you be a Christian and a police officer and not have an issue made of it."

Risk said before he knew it, he was off the schedule and then off the force.

So he decided to take the case to court.

A federal jury in Pittsburgh ruled on Thursday that Risk was fired for his religious beliefs.

"Justice prevailed,” said Risk. “It worked out the way, the way it should've worked out."

Now that the decision has been handed down, Risk said he’s ready to go back to the very place that let him go.

"I enjoy the job,” said Risk. “I really like the job."

Risk's attorneys will be meeting with a judge on Monday to rule on getting backpay from the department, and getting back his job.

Natalie Pasquarella, NEWS9

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