of the district court granting defendants' motion for summary judgment.   The action was brought under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 by Bruce Williams for termination from his position as a police sergeant with defendant West Jordan City, Utah.   The undisputed facts show that on August 1, 1978, Williams was summoned to a meeting with Police Chief Robert Stockwell, who confronted Williams with several allegations of misconduct on duty.   Stockwell then suspended Williams from duty.   The next day Stockwell met with supervisory officers of the police department to discuss Williams' performance, after which he informed Williams of the meeting and told Williams he would be given an opportunity to resign.   Williams requested time to consider his options, and was givenuntil Friday, August 4, 1978.   On August 4, 1978, Williams refused to resign, and Stockwell fired him.   The following Monday, August 7, 1978, a written statement of the charges of misconduct was delivered to Williams.   Williams subsequently demanded a hearing to appeal his termination, and a hearing was had before the City Council on August 23, 1978.   Williams' termination was upheld by the Council.


6
Following the unsuccessful appeal of his termination before the City Council, Williams filed the original complaint in this action.   On July 11, 1979, Bruce Williams died as a result of an explosion at his home.   An amended complaint was filed naming Williams' wife, Glennis Rae Williams, and their minor children as plaintiffs.


7
Before the