Former Nebraska State Patrol Trooper Robert Henderson, whose membership in an organization with ties to the Ku Klux Klan got him fired from the patrol, just lost another job.

Henderson was fired Wednesday from the Nebraska Safety Council, where he had taught traffic diversion classes since 1997, said Laurie Klosterboer, the safety council’s executive director.

Klosterboer said she couldn’t talk about why Henderson was fired.

“We don’t discuss personnel issues outside the organization.”

The patrol fired the 18-year veteran in March, but a New York City arbitrator ruled he should be reinstated. The state is contesting the arbitrator’s decision in Lancaster County District Court.

Henderson didn’t deny posting comments on the Knights Party Web site, and has apologized and dropped his membership in the group, according to his attorney.

The Aug. 17 arbitrator’s decision said Henderson should be reinstated within 60 days.

That hasn’t happened because the 60 days isn’t up, said patrol spokeswoman Deb Collins.

It’s not clear what will happen to his patrol job if the arbitration appeal is still pending after 60 days.

State Attorney General’s spokeswoman Holley Hatt said her office couldn’t comment because it is involved in the appeal.

But two state statutes on arbitration seem to indicate his reinstatement could be put on hold until a judge decides the appeal.

Since news of Henderson’s dismissal from the patrol became public last week, the Nebraska Safety Council got an anonymous complaint about him being an instructor, Klosterboer said. 

She said no students complained in class evaluations about Henderson’s conduct in the classroom.

The Safety Council, a private, nonprofit organization, offers driving and traffic-related classes throughout the state.

Henderson taught diversion classes  in Lincoln and Omaha. The classes are offered to people ticketed for minor traffic offenses.

The Safety Council has arrangements with numerous counties to offer the classes but doesn’t contract with them. Its operating budget isn’t supported by state money, although some programs are supported by state or federal grants, Klosterboer said.

Although law enforcement officers teach many of the classes, instructors don’t have to be in law enforcement.

Reach Margaret Reist at 473-7226 or mreist@journalstar.com