MARTINS FERRY Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 78 President Jerry E. Murphy issued a statement Friday in attempt to assuage the public relations hits befalling the department recently.
"As investigative documents in the Barry Carpenter trial have unfolded in the local news media and the media coverage have stated allegations of 'questionable work' within the Martins Ferry Police Department, I want to inform you, the citizens of Martins Ferry and all those who visit the city throughout the course of your daily lives we are doing our job,'' Murphy's statement began. "We have never stopped doing our job.
"The level of professionalism has not faltered, nor the level of integrity for the protection and service to all the residents, business owners, property owners, employees and visitors within the City of Martins Ferry.
"We are still open for business and will continue to protect and serve the people we have sworn to oath.
"We have endured a lot over the past year and it has taken its toll on the entire city, but we will move forward to recover and uphold why many have proclaimed the City of Martins Ferry 'the pride of the valley.'
"We are the Martins Ferry Police Department, your neighbor, your friend and your family.''
With the aftermath of the surrogate scandal case that saw the resignation and subsequent conviction of former police chief Barry Carpenter finally starting to simmer down, new allegations surfaced this week.
Among those are that both Carpenter and current Lieutenant-in-Charge Phil Hartman had access to pornographic material on the chief's computer. There were also allegations of improper usage of city vehicles, and witness tampering.
Mayor Phil Wallace asked for an executive session to discuss ''personnel, hiring and firing,'' during Thursday's council meeting, a session that lasted nearly 30 minutes.
No action was taken following that executive session, nor was there any taken following a meeting Friday between city officials and the police department.
A follow-up meeting is scheduled for Monday in the city building.
