 |
|
|
Bourbon Department Of Public Safety Loses Three Officers
The Bourbon police have lost a total of three officers in the past month causing the department to reconstruct its law enforcement personnel.
The first to leave was police detective Charles Herwig who submitted his resignation effective Feb. 19. The Bourbon Board of Aldermen chose to approve Herwig’s letter of resignation during the closed session portion of a meeting that was held on Feb. 18.
Alderman Jared Boast motioned to accept Herwig’s resignation with Alderman Brent Byrd seconding it. The motion passed 4-0.
Detective Herwig had stated to the press that he had found a career with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department. In his resignation letter, Herwig stated, “I thank the Bourbon Police Department for all I have learned and experienced here.”
Also during the Feb. 18 meeting, the board chose to hire Brandon Thomlinson. Alderman Mark Hilse motioned to hire Thomlinson for a part-time position with the Bourbon Police Department with Alderman Boast seconding. The motion passed 4-0.
Following Herwig was police officer Andrew Scroggin. Scroggin has moved on to a position with the Cuba Police Department. The board has yet to approve Scroggin’s letter of resignation.
Scroggin also thanked the deparment by stating, “Thank you for everything you have done for me and I hope we can still call on each other in later days for anything needed.”
Then on Fri., Mar. 7, police officer James DiGiacomo gave a verbal resignation, which was accepted by the board during the closed portion of a special session meeting held that evening.
In the closed session minutes, the verbal resignation is recorded as being witnessed by police chaplain Leroy Bryant, court clerk Sandy Martin, police secretary Bobbie Zimmermann and police officer Cody Robertson. After speaking with those who submitted an eyewitness account, DiGiacomo was disgruntled when leaving.
Police Chief Scot Mathenia advised the board of DiGiacomo’s resignation and that his keys and badge were left with Zimmermann.
Alderman Byrd motioned to accept the verbal resignation of DiGiacomo. Alderman Hilse seconded the motion and it passed 4-0.
As reported in the Dec. 26, 2007 issue of the Sullivan Independent News, during the closed session portion of the Tues., Dec. 18 meeting, the Board of Aldermen chose to place DiGiacomo on administrative duties with no weapons and to wear civilian clothes.
This was pending an investigation of an incident involving DiGiacomo where the officer reportedly pulled his gun on a subject. The investigation was requested by DiGiacomo.
In a letter dated Feb. 26 to Crawford County Prosecuting Attorney Sid Pearson from Superintendent James Keathley of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, it reads as follows:
“This correspondence is in response to your request for an investigation into possible excessive use of force on the part of a Bourbon Police Officer. It is my understanding that Sergeant Henry Folsom, of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Division of Drug and Crime Control, has conducted a preliminary inquiry.
Before the Missouri State Highway Patrol will conduct an investigation, certain specific criteria must be met. One of the requirements for an investigation of this nature is that the allegation be of suspected criminal activity that would constitute a felony under Missouri statutes. Sergeant Folsom has reviewed the facts available to him. As a result of the preliminary inquiry, Sergeant Folsom has determined that the circumstances do not merit a criminal investigation at this time, thus, the request in this situation does not meet the established criteria. Therefore, I am unable to approve your request for this investigation.”
Chief Mathenia explained to the press that, with DiGiacomo’s resignation, he was unsure as to what other action would be taken regarding the incident.
Other business involving the police department was discussed during a workshop meeting held on Feb. 25.
The starting salary for police officers was mentioned. Chief Mathenia recommended increasing the starting salary from $9 per hour to $10 per hour.
During the special session meeting following the workshop, Alderman Hilse suggested $11 per hour for West’s pay.
According to the open session minutes of the meeting, West stated to the board that he needed $13 per hour to remain on the department. He moved on to mention that the board needed to support the police department and its officers. He also mentioned a pending litigation issue.
Hilse stated the city has a lawyer to protect the actions of the board and this has nothing to do with the board not doing their job.
West explained that he feels the city needs two officers employed for nights and weekends. West left the meeting at this time.
Hilse motioned to raise West’s salary to $11 per hour with benefits. Alderman Brent Byrd seconded the motion and it passed 4-0.
Officers who remain with the department are part-time employee, Adam Hilse; full-time employee, Cody Robertson; and Dave West who was recently promoted to full-time employment.
|
|
|
|
Latest Headlines:
Other Links: