ADENA - Upon the recommendation of the police committee, village leaders approved a move to relieve the police chief of his duties.
"I personally asked [Chief] Ben Swoyer to attend an earlier meeting of the police committee, and he told me he wouldn't be there," said committee chair Billie Stanwick. "He said he was working in New Athens that night. I don't think you can serve two masters, and we come first."
According to discussion, Swoyer had served as chief for the village while also accepting a similar post in the other village.
Stanwick distributed a copy of a letter prepared by the police committee on the recommendation of the village's solicitor. It was signed and sent to the entire department asking for their resignations.
"You made a recommendation but went on and made a decision," Councilman Tom Horton said. "Council did not agree to the letter. [The committee] should follow the correct procedure."
"The decision is primarily up to the committee not council," Stanwick replied.
"No, you overstepped your bounds," Horton replied. "They (the officers) just need leadership."
Solicitor Rebecca Bench said the committee is the "first line of defense" and said council eventually had the final say as to what course of action would be taken.
Clerk Gary Dulkoski said that he had dealt with the department and indicated he had no problems with current Officer William Erwin. However, he did indicate problems had possibly developed with Swoyer. "He seems to be very immature," Dulkoski said.
Dulkoski then recommended, due to financial restraints, that the village finish out the year with only one officer.
By a 4-2 vote, council approved a move to dismiss the police chief and retain the single officer.
In other business, council learned that 20 wreath decorations had been purchased through donations for the upcoming holiday season.
"The lighted wreaths were bought with donated money," said village resident Brenda Roski.
"There was no village money used," added Nancy Malin. "Even though a rumor is going around, the money was donated by individuals, groups and businesses."
Roski said each decoration costs $328 and features a large lighted wreath with three electric candles finished with a bow. Brackets have already been installed to hold the wreaths in the downtown area of the community.
"We are still taking donations," added Roski. "Any additional funds will be used to purchase more decorations for next year."
Sedgmer may be reached at ksedgmer@timesleaderonline.com
