Jason Huppert, an Olive police officer who had been on unpaid administrative leave since May while facing disciplinary hearings for allegedly waving a gun at construction workers, was placed back on the town’s payroll.

The reinstatement, which took effect on Nov. 28, was confirmed by Olive Supervisor Jim Sofranko. Huppert, a 10-year veteran of the department, has been fighting the town’s attempt to fire him since the Oct. 5, 2023, incident outside Steve’s Pizzeria and Deli on Route 28 in Kingston. His disciplinary proceedings have been marked by repeated postponements since September.

According to Nathaniel Nichols, the attorney representing the town in Huppert’s disciplinary hearings, the most recent postponement involved one of the town’s witnesses. Nichols said that because the town was responsible for the most recent delay, it is required under Civil Service Law 75 to place Huppert back on the payroll until the disciplinary proceedings have concluded. 

Huppert was removed from the town’s payroll in May of this year. As a part-time employee, he is paid $32.09 an hour for approximately 18 hours a week. He remains under suspension.

Huppert, who in August levied a litany of accusations against Olive Police Chief Sean Ryan, is scheduled to have his final hearing in February. 

At the time, town officials said they were conducting an independent investigation into Huppert’s accusations against Ryan. The town has not made the findings of that inquiry public. 

Sofranko declined further comment.

“The Town of Olive put me back on the payroll for administrative reasons,” Huppert said. “I look forward to having my hearing so I can clear my name and prove my innocence.”

Jim Rich is a senior reporter for The Overlook. You can reach him at jim@theoverlooknews.com.