The Damar Fields saga may carry on for quite some time and cost city taxpayers.

While the charges against Fields, seen on video being roughly handled during an arrest, move forward, the officer who is facing termination because of that incident is promising not to go down without a fight.

The attorney for suspended Peekskill Police Officer Daniel Regg said he plans to put the already-released body-cam videos of the incident in context when he represents Regg at his disciplinary hearing on May 1.

The incident happened on Dec. 3 at Riverfront Green Park. Regg's bodycam view shows Regg approaching Fields, 42, who had his pants down, was acting erratically and threatening Regg.

Regg tased Fields multiple times after Fields was on the ground. He then punched Fields several times, bloodying his face, as he tried to get Fields into handcuffs.

In the body-cam video and cellphone video shot by a bystander, back-up arrived, removed Regg from the situation and completed the arrest.

Fields was then charged with four offenses, including resisting arrest and public lewdness.

Police Chief Adam Renwick announced last month that he suspended Regg and another officer without pay, a significant step toward full termination.

Renwick told the city council that Regg failed at de-escalation, failed at communication and did not follow the department's use-of-force policies for dealing with an emotionally disturbed person.

Regg has been raising funds online to help him afford legal services and services from experts on use of force, and has drawn support from a handful of police organizations nationwide. He has also received public support from his union.

"He deserves a vigorous defense," Regg's attorney, John McGowan, said.

Reached by phone Thursday afternoon, McGowan said that if the hearing officer recommends a full firing, and the city then chooses to fire Regg, Regg and his defense team will move up on their list of due-process options and also fight the firing decision.

McGowan does not want there to be a precedent for other municipalities to easily fire officers whether they deserve it or not.

"If Officer Regg is terminated from his position that could have a greater implication for cops throughout New York State and potentially nationally," McGowan said.

Regg does not have a prior disciplinary record and has received numerous commendations during his ten-year career, including life-saving awards.

One of those awards came when he was employed in the Town of Poughkeepsie, after he performed CPR on a newborn infant and was credited with saving her life. Family and friends of Fields said Thursday they, too, are ready for a long fight.

They want Fields' charges dropped, and they want Regg gone.

"I know he has a GoFundMe and all that," Fields' friend Jeanne Shaw said, "and I'm like 'Alright, he can do him and we'll do us.'"

Fields was due back in Peekskill City Court Thursday morning for a conference on his four charges, but it was postponed because his attorney had a family emergency.

In a brief exchange of messages on Thursday, Regg said he hopes his employment fight is resolved quickly. He says that after it is resolved, he will be able to speak publicly and more freely.

News 12 inquired with the Peekskill city attorney, Eric Gordon, about how much a drawn-out legal fight with Regg might cost taxpayers. The figures are unclear, but a long fight in court would likely have a cost.

“The City and the employee each pay their own legal fees in these types of proceedings," Gordon said in an email. "The City is ready to move forward with the hearing process."

Also reached by email Thursday, Chief Renwick said it would be improper for him to comment on this story since he will be testifying at Regg's disciplinary hearing.