Christopher Broich, a former Southampton Village police sergeant, who unsuccessfully sued the village for $5 million in federal court over his December 2007 firing, is appealing to a higher court.

The lawsuit claims he was the victim of discrimination and of retaliation for being a whistle-blower. Broich initially filed the lawsuit in district court in February 2008. Before it could go to trial, Judge Sandra J. Feuerstein made a summary judgment in favor of the village, on Jan. 25 this year. If the appeal is successful, the appeals court will send the case back to Feuerstein to be reconsidered.

The village board placed Broich on administrative leave in May 2006 then fired him after an administrative judge found him guilty of departmental misconduct and incompetence.

Though the court costs add up, Broich said earlier this month that he will continue to fight  — to get his reputation back. “That's more important than money.”

"I’m not guilty and I’m stigmatized,” he said.

When the district court dismissed the case, village Mayor Mark Epley said, “I hope it’s over with, but I don’t anticipate it. We’ll be prepared for the next level. That seems to be the norm with him.”

Broich is also suing the village in state court to have his termination from the police department reversed, and he has a defamation lawsuit against Epley and village trustees Paul Robinson and Nancy McGann.

Defendants in his $5 million lawsuit include the village, the village board of trustees, and the current and former police chiefs.

Broich's attorney, Steven A. Morelli, filed a notice of appeal with the U.S. Court of Appeals of the Second Circuit on Feb. 4.