Slightly more than a year after he was reinstated to his Wareham Police Department post after the state Civil Service Commission determined he was wrongfully terminated, Mattapoisett resident Lt. Donald Bliss says retaliation has forced him into retirement.

Bliss and his lawyer, Marion Attorney John C. Dorn, notified the town of Wareham on July 12 that they will seek a lawsuit alleging retaliation, the creation of a hostile work environment, discrimination, constructive termination, and negligent supervision during the time period of May 5, 2011 — the date of the Civil Service Commission's unanimous decision in Bliss' favor — and January 22 of this year, when Bliss officially retired.

The lawsuit will seek unspecified damages for Bliss' "emotional distress, loss of income and loss of society," according to the letter.

Bliss was a senior lieutenant on the department when he was fired in February of 2009 for what officials said was an improper use of his town-issued cell phone, and for allegedly using his police position to sell alarm systems.

The state Civil Service Commission determined in May, 2011, that Bliss was wrongfully discharged.

Bliss was given his job back and awarded approximately $207,000 in back pay and interest. The Commission determined that he should return fully to the position from which he had been terminated.

But Bliss says he was unable to return to his position, as Wareham Police Chief Richard Stanley had "informed Bliss that he had no place for him on his command staff," according to the July 12 letter.

The town has until January 15 to respond to the July 12 letter before a lawsuit is filed, Dorn said. He has not yet heard from the town.