YOU TOOK BACK YOUR CITY!
Every citizen of Hardeeville who went out to the polls and voted yesterday can give themselves a big pat on the back this morning for making the change that SO desperately needed to be made! You went out and let Rodney Cannon and the rest of the council members know in a resounding voice that you are fed up with their gestapo style tactics and you aren't going to take it anymore! No more closed door meetings where the "good 'ol boys" shut the public out and make decisions that affect all of you. No more "questionable", (to say the least), spending sprees with YOUR money. Speaking of which...Are you getting your resume in order Shane Haynes? You can bet your life that had YOUR job been up for grabs yesterday as well, you would without a doubt be unemployed as of this morning! Can you see your end coming yet? What are you gonna do now that you don't have people underneath you that are willing to let you push them around? What are you gonna do now that your cookie jar full of money is closed? Are you finally gonna have to move to Hardeeville and get rid of your house and land in Georgia? That would be a pretty fitting end since most of the John Deere equipment at your home was purchased with city money, right?
Again, congratulations citizens of Hardeeville! You got involved and made a change which is a hell of a lot more than your former "leaders" would have EVER done for any one of you! You now have a fresh start with only one cancerous tumor left to deal with...Shane.
RESULTS:
Mayoral candidates
Bronco Bostick = 184
Bill Horton = 101
Rodney Cannon = 44
City council candidates
Roy Powell = 231
Michael Foskey = 146
E. Tedd Moyd = 100
Earl Cooler = 72
Anthony Saxon = 69
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
CONGRATULATIONS HARDEEVILLE!!!!!
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Help keep Dan Martin out of Beaufort County.
Help keep Dan Martin out of Beaufort County.
Dan Martin, yes the lying backstabber, has applied with the well respected Beaufort County Sheriff's Office. If you have an opinion about this, whether it be good or bad, then please contact Sheriff Tanner immediately.
(843) 470-3191
P.O. Box 1758 Beaufort, SC 29901
Friday, January 4, 2008
JUSTICE AT LAST!!!!!!!!!!!
KARMA FINALLY CATCHES UP WITH DAN MARTIN!!
At approximately 4 pm on January 2nd 2008, Chief Nagy finally did what oh so many people in both Beaufort and Jasper counties have been praying for, and told Dan Martin to turn in his badge! This has been such a long time coming that I can't even think of the words to express what truly joyful news this is. Some may think that it's wrong to delight in the misfortunes of others, but if there's anyone that ever deserved this, it's Dan Martin, and I don't feel the least bit sorry for him or anyone that stood by his side. He got exactly what he asked for and exactly what he deserved. Some people lost faith over the last few months and thought he was somehow invincible, but this just goes to prove once and for all that what goes around, comes around. It just sometimes takes a little longer than expected. Beware all law enforcement agencies in the area!! Dan Martin will be tapping any connections that he might have and trying to get on with another department pretty quickly. Please be advised that he still resides in Georgia, just as he has for the last 7 to 8 years and he still carries a falsified SC drivers license. If you want a man that was quick to stab his own officers in the back including his own Chief whose career hung in the balance, then Dan Martin is your man. If you want someone who will take back alley payouts from a crooked city treasurer without batting an eye, then Dan Martin is your man. And if you want someone who is more than willing to get on national television and look straight into a camera and lie about police response to a murder, then Dan Martin is definitely your man. Ready for your comeuppance city council members? How about you Shane and Mayor Cannon? I believe March is just around the corner!!!!!! Better get those applications in!! Maybe you can all work at the Mayor's new club on the south end! 2008 is gonna be a great year!!!!
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Dan Martin loses his SC residency.
Dan Martin promotes Nollinger - SLED disagrees.
Lt. Dan Martin of the Hardeeville police department hired Christian R. Nollinger, 29, of Bluffton who he quickly promoted and became such good friends with him that Nollinger let Martin use his SC residence on his drivers license.
Where is Lt. Martin going to "live" in SC now? State law requires he have an address in South Carolina but Martin lives in Georgia. To work around that Nollinger let Martin use his address on his SC drivers license so as not to be in violation.
I guess it's back to the DMV again eh Dan?
Many may remember that there was controversy over Tony Pollens leaving Hardeeville which involved accusations of a similar nature. The only difference is that Nagy took the lead this time whereas Martin had the reins last time. All of this amid all the mysteries involving Martin's payouts from Santesia Henderson and the fact that not only did Henderson keep all of Hardeevilles accounting records at home (yes, even all of the filing) but she received all bank records in electronic format on CD from the bank and only she knew the password. Sound fishy?
I will not re-hash all of the evidence that has built up against HPD and City Hall but did I mention that the employee that was having an affair with Shane Haynes had to quit because too many people found out? But at least I can sleep at night knowing that Shane is a "Christian" by his own reckoning and I am SURE that he told his wife and asked for mercy and forgiveness.
"Teflon" Dan will not last forever. Justice has a way of striking when the corrupt least expect it.
As for the others who sow corruption...your time is coming.
Friday, September 7, 2007
Watcha Talkin' 'Bout Willis?
Lies and deceit continue at city council meetings...
At the September 6th council meeting a dramatic confrontation took place between a private citizen and council member Brooks Willis. A citizen addressed council with the question of why Dan Martin is still allowed to reside in Georgia and yet be a police officer in South Carolina. An infraction which even Chief Nagy himself stated is not allowed. Brooks Willis replied that the council is not aware of any Hardeeville police officers living in Georgia. Evidently Brooks has been living under a rock as this has been an issue countless times between the citizens of Hardeeville and city hall. Not to mention the fact that the rest of council sat there allowing this lie to continue. The same citizen also brought up the fact that city hall has been placing notices in peoples' mailboxes advising them that their lawns were considered "overgrown" and would be taken care of by the city public works department for $250 if they were not done by the homeowner in a timely manner. The council was then asked why member Bea Jones is allowed to have such an eyesore of a lawn with grass regularly reaching more than knee high while other citizens are reprimanded and threatened with hefty fines. Not to mention the fact that Jones has countless animals roaming free on her property creating a horrible smell and roaming out into the roadway regularly. Once again, the lying continued with Brooks Willis responding that he doesn't know where Bea Jones lives so he can't comment on that question. The citizen raising these questions was then all but threatened with a lawsuit by Willis if she didn't "get her facts straight."
The citizens of Hardeeville need to wake up!! This one single citizen raised valid questions that you ALL should be asking these council members every month. A small group of citizens picketed outside of a council meeting several months ago forcing Shane and his cronies to go into hiding with one of their typical "executive sessions". Unfortunately, the citizens of Hardeeville did exactly what city hall was counting on by not showing up at the next meeting. If you want to effect change you have got to show up every single time that gestapo of a council meets. They rely on all of you just "letting it slide" each time and then forgetting about it so that they can continue their reign of terror and intimidation. If you let them get away with it every time, then you're only adding to the problems rather than seeking to solve them.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Hardeeville Police fire another officer under new chief.
The Hardeeville Police Department fire yet another officer amid continuing power struggle.
Friday, April 20, 2007
Unfortunate Incident
Search Continues For Hardeeville Murder Suspect
Tonight, police continue the search for a suspected murderer. Alfred Redwine, 21, from Hilton Head, is wanted for kidnapping and murder following the death of Hardeeville resident Demetria Eady, 29, a mother of two young boys. While authorities nationwide have been told to be on the lookout for Redwine, some wonder if police did all they could to find Demetria. When Demetria walked out of the Star Point gas station on Highway 17 in Hardeeville, owner Ranok Patel never imagined his favorite customer would never come back. "She is our best customer. So friendly," Ranok said. "Everyone knew 'D' in this community. We are devastated." Minutes after 'D' walked out the door, customers rushed in wanting to know if Ranok knew what had happened. He didn't. "They saw her try to get out, pushing the driver out of the way, and he wouldn't let her out," he said. A volunteer firefighter saw a similar scene down the road, and called police. Demetria left the store at 11:55 Tuesday morning, and got into the passenger seat of a car. Police had first report of an incident at around 12:20pm, almost 25 minutes later. "He stated he saw a lady hanging out of a gray Oldsmobile, out the passenger side window down First Street," Lt. Dan Martin with Hardeeville Police Department said. "She was struggling with the driver to get out of the vehicle." Lt. Martin says, at that point, police saturated Hardeeville, looking for the vehicle. Between 3pm and 4pm, Ranok says police showed up at his store to review the surveillance tape. "They came and got what they needed from surveillance," he said. But, Ranok's not sure police did enough. Like others, he expected a search for Demetria, which didn't happen until later that night after family members officially filed a report. "That is shocking," Ranok said. "I know the police here and I would have expected them to be all over something like this." A "be on the lookout" alert for Redwine did not go out until after 7pm Tuesday night. Demetria's body was found 12 hours later, several miles away along a dirt path on Old Charleston Highway outside Ridgeland. "We thought they were together, not separated," Lt. Martin told WTOC. "We did everything we could at that point with the information we had." "I think they could have reacted a little better than they did," Ranok said. He isn't sure a different response would have saved D's life, but if he was kidnapped, he knows how he'd like police to respond. "They need to react any time, doesn't matter if it is false," Ranok said. "React no matter what." Police say Redwine is the cousin of Demetria Eady's fiance. Redwine is still on the loose and considered armed and dangerous. He was last seen driving a red Ford Explorer, with South Carolina tag number 650-VJE. If you have any information on Redwine's whereabouts, contact Hardeeville Police at 843.784.2233 or Jasper County Sheriff's Office at 843.726.7777. Reported by: Don Logana, mailto:dlogana@wtoc.com
Saturday, April 7, 2007
Top Secret Luncheon Proves Not Enough
City Hall Courts New Chief Prospect
I've been trying to give city hall some time to come clean about the new chief, but evidently they aren't going to, so here it goes... There was a big hush hush luncheon almost 2 weeks ago which was set up to welcome, (or perhaps attract), what was supposed to be the new police chief. Out of the hundreds of applicants they got, (yeah right), they had evidently narrowed it down to one Richard Nagy whom alot of people may know as the associate deputy director of the criminal justice academy in Columbia. He is also sometimes known as "The Cleaner" because of his ability to come into a place and "clean house" so to speak.
Now alot of people might think I'm posting this to badmouth the man but it's quite the contrary. I believe that most of us would have LOVED to see him come in and do what so desparately needs to be done and I was planning on wishing him well on setting that city straight. But, unfortunately, word has it that he is not taking the position. I can only guess that the reasons are numerous ranging from the fact that he is literate all the way to the fact that he would probably want something outrageous such as control of his department which Shane would never allow.
This is rather unfortunate for Shane as well since now he will have to find someone else to spill the blood since he hasn't got the guts.
**You administrators with your big bellies and big salaries!** LOL
Anyway, Mr. Nagy, we would love for you to reconsider but I think most of us understand all too well why no one would want to work there. I applaud you for looking out for yourself since working in hardeeville would be career suicide with Shane at the helm. Good luck in all your future endeavors.
Can you see the end yet lieutenant? It's just around the bend!!
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Newspaper Article
Hardeeville police report sheds no light on oustings
Beaufort Gazette Article
Published Wednesday March 28 2007
By LORI YOUNT mailto:YOUNTlyount@beaufortgazette.com843-986-5531
A recent consultant report outlining the revamping of the Hardeeville police sheds no more light on the removal of at least four officers last year whose oustings were explained as a department "restructuring."
Former Staff Sgt. Rick Keefner, who was the first to leave when he was fired in May, said last week the report didn't explain why he lost his job. He said and believes that city officials' claims of a restructuring process a few weeks after he was fired were to get around the state's "at-will" employment laws that exempt emergency personnel from being fired unless there is a restructuring.
"My particular firing was illegal," said Keefner, adding he's consulting with a few attorneys about his case before filing suit against the city.
Whether the firing of Keefner or removal of other officers was illegal might not be that clear, depending on policies or contracts the department or city may have had, said Richard Banks, executive director of the S.C. Police Benevolent Association, an that has worked with Keefner on legal issues.
"Can the city manager do it? It might have to end up litigated in the courts. This could be a test case," said Banks, adding he was unable to obtain a copy of employment procedures from either police or city staff in Hardeeville.
"(The city manager) should've been restructuring before firing," he said.
Keefner said the former Chief James Hubbard, who was fired in January, told him there was nothing "illegal or unethical" reported in Keefner's personnel file, though Keefner hasn't seen it himself or requested it because he trusts what Hubbard told him, adding that he believes the city wanted him out because he had filed a lawsuit for a back injury he received on the job.
In the following weeks of Keefner's firing, two of the department's highest-ranking officers, Capt. Jerome White and Lt. Eric Washington, and two other police officers were forced to resign, along with the city's treasurer, Santesia Henderson.Hubbard was fired in January, followed by another officer's voluntary resignation, and another officer resigned the beginning of this month.
Hardeeville City Manager Shane Haynes said that although the label "restructuring" was attached to the personnel moves within the department, the external study wasn't the only source of justifying city actions -- just one component in a comprehensive review.
"The main reason was job performance and their ability to serve as a team member," he said. "They either resigned or were fired ... because they didn't buy into our goals. The report pointed out there were a lot of personal agendas."
Florida-based firm Police Management Consultants was hired to begin studying the department in August after the first five officers were ousted -- President Walter Zaliskosaid.
In the published report, the firm examines what it calls the "sound" structure of the department as it existed in February and not the high-ranking positions of captain and lieutenant that were eliminated in May and June.
Zalisko said he found nothing illegal in the department, but he never got to the bottom of why the officers were forced out just a few months before his report -- only that it affected the morale of the remaining officers.
Haynes said the city began the review of the department in late spring of last year and by June, after the first few police officers were forced out, it was "evident" that "we needed an objective, outside party" to examine what had been a "top-heavy" structure.Keefner said what he's heard of the report's findings, it "just pretty much downed the leadership."
"It wasn't very fair," he said. "They didn't talk to me. Nobody asked us (former officers) how the man was as a leader. Of course (current officers) are going to say everything the city wants to hear."
He added that it wasn't Hubbard's fault that new polices and rules hadn't been updated in written form since 1996, adding that the city stood in his way.
Hubbard didn't respond to requests for an interview.
Haynes called the notion that the city was preventing a department head from updating the department's own policies and procedures "absolutely incorrect." The city is updating a general city employee manual, but he said department heads have complete control and are encouraged to initiate police updates.
"It's very important to update policies," Haynes said. "They can make updates, which have to be reviewed by the city manager."
Two former high-ranking officers, who are black, Jerome White and Eric Washington, continue to pursue claims of racial discrimination against the city with the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission, their Bluffton lawyer Susan Brach said. She said the commission is investigating the claims and that it could take up to 1 1/2 years to reach a finding.
"At this point, what the city manager has done has caused unnecessary litigation against the city," said Banks of the police association. "Unfortunately, the taxpayers have to end up paying this bill," adding a department with such turmoil probably won't attract experienced officers who already have training.
Henderson, the city's treasurer who was forced to resign about the same time as her husband, Washington, has also filed a racial discrimination claim.
City officials, after not offering explanation for Henderson's ousting for weeks, said in July that irregularities were found in the city's finances and have ordered an audit into the matter.
Haynes said in the city's required annual external audit, no criminal activity or other "material weaknesses" were found, but 15 findings of procedural deficiencies in the finance department were cited. The full report will be released and reviewed at the City Council meeting April 19.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Veteran officer fired.
Pfc. Gary Morris was fired on Friday March 23rd as Lt. Dan Martin takes the next logical step in setting up his dream department.
This move has been anticipated by many for weeks as Morris was the last officer on the department who refused to party with Lt. Martin after hours. Long time party pal Harry German also received a promotion to Corporal. This comes as no surprise as Martin has always showed bias in German's case. Martin used to wait until German was working day shift and come out and run hand held laser just for him so that he could have the highest ticket count in order to show that he was indeed the ideal officer for future promotion.
While German has complained about Martin behind the scenes for months and the constant phone calls, his actions spoke clearer than any of his false words.
Is this what it takes to become recognized in Martin's regime?
If so, citizens beware! You may be stopped by ticket hungry, hungover, automatons, who have no loyalty to anything but their bottom line.
Morris was fired on "suspicion" that he was leaking information to this web site.
Odd considering that Cpl. Pollen was involved in a high level investigation where multiple victims were interviewed or polygraphed but was given a chance to resign and Morris was fired without witness(es) or evidence.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Late Breaking News!
Hardeeville Officer under investigation for criminal activities while on duty.
A Hardeeville officer has been under investigation for criminal activities while on the job. This officer is facing serious consequences if convicted and witnesses have come forward and provided statements causing a full scale investigation to be launched by more than one agency.
This site will not report any more specifics until it is appropriate. Keep in mind what I have stated previously...I will not release any information that will hinder any ongoing investigations.
The investigation is taking longer than anticipated due to efforts by the City to keep it quiet but now that I have printed these facts, swift action should follow.
Stay tuned for further as it develops.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Brooks Willis' city phone listed on Realty web site.
http://www.twburrowsrealty.com/agents.htm
Brooks Willis is a long time resident of the southeast and has many years of experience in the real estate profession.
Mr. Willis was elected to his second term on the City Council nearly two years ago. Before that, he served from 1994-1998. He retired a year ago from Southern Corrections Inc., a probation company in Georgia. He has a bachelor's degree in business administration with a major in marketing from the University of Georgia. He and his wife, LaJuan, have a daughter, a son in law and a grandson.
247-0413
Just another example for those who care.
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Teaser for FastFrame scam.
This is just a taste of what evidence is in hand. Enjoy Seab!
Another interesting article.
"The city generated $850,000 in extra revenue from police ticketing this fiscal year, doubling its collections by taking in $1.7 million compared to $850,000 in 2004. The city doesn't budget ticket money until the year after it is collected, so the additional money will be available for the fiscal year that begins July 1.
"Tickets we write, code enforcement, police and traffic tickets, we saw a big increase in that revenue," said Santesia Henderson, the city treasurer.
The city also gained more than $240,000 from the Carolina Coastal Medical Center, which opened its doors near Sgt. Jasper Park in December.
Rather than a tax cut, the additional revenue will be used to maintain expanding service needs, like fire and police protection."
Hardeeville OKs budget, maintains tax rate
BY MICHAEL R. SHEA, The Beaufort GazettePublished Saturday, June 4th, 2005
Add Comment
HARDEEVILLE -- There will be no new property taxes for Hardeeville residents next year ... again.
The Hardeeville City Council unanimously approved a $4.5 million city budget for 2006 on Thursday night that maintains a tax rate set in 2001. Revenues are on the rise even though the tax rate hasn't changed in five years, so the owner of a $100,000 house still can expect to pay around $390 in city property taxes, which includes a $200 local sales tax reduction.
The 2005 spending plan was for $3.8 million, around $800,000 less than the 2006 plan.
The city generated $850,000 in extra revenue from police ticketing this fiscal year, doubling its collections by taking in $1.7 million compared to $850,000 in 2004. The city doesn't budget ticket money until the year after it is collected, so the additional money will be available for the fiscal year that begins July 1.
"Tickets we write, code enforcement, police and traffic tickets, we saw a big increase in that revenue," said Santesia Henderson, the city treasurer.
The city also gained more than $240,000 from the Carolina Coastal Medical Center, which opened its doors near Sgt. Jasper Park in December.
Rather than a tax cut, the additional revenue will be used to maintain expanding service needs, like fire and police protection.
"We're keeping the services high and the taxes down," Mayor Rodney Cannon said after the meeting. "With the (staff) we have, working together, we can make a difference."
Of all the city departments, the police budget is the highest at $1.1 million, which supports a force of 18 people.
"We do not anticipate any new staff," Shane Haynes, the city administrator, said of the spending plan, which does not include any additional employees.
The city will hold a public hearing and final vote on the 2006 spending plan at 5 p.m. June 16 in council chambers at the Hardeeville Community Center.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Deleted Bluffton Today post!
Hardeeville Truth
By Anonymanorwoman - January 19, 2007 - 9:19pm
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing this letter to any good journalist who wants to know the truth about all that is and has happened in reference to the “revamping” of Hardeeville Police Dept. First, let me say that I will not divulge any information as to who I am for all the personal reasons one would want to keep their anonymity. I am quite sure you will understand my reasons after you complete the reading of this letter.
Hardeeville Truth
By Anonymanorwoman - January 19, 2007 - 9:19pm
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing this letter to any good journalist who wants to know the truth about all that is and has happened in reference to the “revamping” of Hardeeville Police Dept. First, let me say that I will not divulge any information as to who I am for all the personal reasons one would want to keep their anonymity. I am quite sure you will understand my reasons after you complete the reading of this letter. Starting from the beginning, let’s go back to when Officers Keefner, Washington, Benton, White, and Shifflitt, were forced to “resign” for reasons unknown to the public.
Keefner: Ok, fine. “Brought a negative impact on HPD”. Not much to say about that being as I’m not sure as to what the circumstances were surrounding that issue.
Washington and Henderson (Henderson was the treasurer at City Hall): These two individuals were dating and this was not supposed to be but there was money changing hands behind closed doors and ultimately they were fired for other reasons beyond that. As far as whose hands the money was going in and out of? Well, let’s just say the good people of City Hall were supposed to investigate that and it got swept under the rug, so to speak. However, I will say that “somebody” received a nice “severance check”.
White: I never did get very much info on this one. I do know that he was not a very fair individual and did not operate in the most politically correct manner one should if they’re going to be a Captain of a Police Dept. Hence, Chief Hubbard asked him as well as Washington to resign. (Hubbard always was a martyr for what was fair and right so the pattern will show such.)
Benton: Benton, the great officer that he was and still is, went to all lengths to see that the city of Hardeeville had all the right community policing possible and strived for an impeccable team who had a common interest. He wanted to be the officer that “helped” the community and the one to make it more of a “family”. All that went on with the “back stabbing” and resignation, the stepping on necks and clawing your way to the top got the best of his spirit and he too bit the dust and resigned.
Shifflitt: This fine officer was doing as he was told and patrolling the streets of Hardeeville on July 4th when low and behold he comes across City Counsel Member, Brooks Willis. Willis told him to “Get to work and stop just hanging around. That’s what you’re paid for.” Shifflitt’s response: Mr. Willis, I have been driving these streets all night, I am doing my job!” That didn’t please the Counsel Member and the very next day; Shifflitt was asked to bring in his badge and gun with his gear and was incidentally “terminated”.
While this was all going on, every one of the Officers at Hardeeville PD were put on notice. This includes Chief Hubbard. He was to take two weeks leave while the restructuring took place. Nice scare for a 26 year veteran, wouldn’t you agree? Shortly after all of this went on, Shane Haynes, City Manager now, got an enormous increase in his salary. He is currently up to 150,000.00. Wow, that was a lot of zeros. Wait let me double check and make sure I have that right. Yes, I believe I do. Now I will take you to present day.
All of the employees of Hardeeville Police Dept. had a meeting whereas the Police Chief Jimmy Hubbard announced his termination. He stated this came after he was asked to resign and retire. Hubbard stated he was just not ready for that. He didn’t feel his work was done. After 26 years on the force and building the Dept. with his bare hands, Shane Haynes tossed him to the dogs and terminated the fine Chief. It’s just that simple. Hubbard asked if there were any questions and as always, he would be honest with his response. Question: “Why Chief? What are we or did you do that was so wrong? Response: “Lack of revenue. Haynes does not believe we’re doing all we can to get the revenue in here that is needed for Hardeeville to go where it needs to go.” Question: “So we’re not writing enough tickets, is that it?” Response “Yes, in a nut shell, our ticket revenue is not meeting the City’s needs.” This did not come as a shock to the Officers as they are to write a certain number of tickets every day. If they fail to do so, it is noted on their personnel files that their performance is lacking. This “quota” is highly illegal by the way! However, it is never written on paper as to why their performance is lacking and the legal issue is the reason as to why. One legally cannot ask their department to write a certain amount of tickets. The law states this. (Officer Macintosh resigned due to similar circumstances about a week ago.)
After tears and upheaval, stress and grief, all of the Dept. went on their way to the “big meeting” with Haynes at City Hall. Here’s how that went:Upon entering, Shane Haynes starts by telling everyone that at no time during or after the meeting should anyone in the room ask any questions. All questions will be directed to the Chain of Command. Haynes went on to say the meeting was to explain the circumstances surrounding Jimmy Hubbard’s termination. “Jimmy was given plenty of notice and time to bring this department where it needed to be. He failed to do just that. I begged Jimmy Hubbard to just do whatever it took to get this City’s Police Dept. and this city where it needed to be and he failed at that. I am sorry for that. I take full responsibility for his termination. If you all need to blame someone, blame me. I will take that. I have thick skin. Do not blame your Lt. for that. He did not want this. He did not ask for this. Jimmy was a good man. He was beloved by you all and many people in this community. He will be missed greatly. I am sorry for that. But, we need to move forward. This is a ship friends, and it is about to set sail. Now, are you with on board or aren’t you? If you’re not, well turn in your badge and gun right now and you will be left at the dock. This is not about ticket revenue. So if you al think that is the case, well you are mistaken so get it out of your heads! (More stern). This is simply not the case. I cannot help it if you all are not patrolling these streets as you should. If you are spreading the word on the street that we are asking for ticket revenue, you are to be terminated on the spot. If I hear one more comment about such, you will be told to turn in your equipment and leave. If any one of you wants to leave right now then go ahead! You’re either with me or you’re not!” More was said about the officers’ salary and benefits being great and it was stated several more times for the officers to quit now if they were not “on board”. Their jobs were threatened repeatedly by Haynes stating, “If you tell your Sister, your Aunt, your Cousin, your friends, if you go to the media, if you comment about any of what has taken place today, you will be terminated! No questions asked! Can I be any more clear? Can I? Well then, let me finish by reading some quotes and scripture because I too have had a difficult time with this. (He reads from a Quote book).
Meeting is about to adjourn when Officer Callais asks to speak. No questions, just address his coworkers and fellow officers. He was granted permission by Haynes. Callais stands and goes to the podium. Haynes steps aside. Callais begins by stating who he is and how long he has worked for Hardeeville PD. He states “all this talk about all this not being about ticket revenue and what not is false. We all know that, but whatever. There are a lot of things that go on here that are wrong but we can’t stop that.” (Callais is interrupted by Haynes saying “Ok, that’s enough!) Callais continues. Haynes yells “I said that was enough!” Callais then announces his resignation for the reasons he stated above. By this time Haynes tells other Officers to “Get him out of here, now!” Callais stated there was no need as he was just leaving. Two Officers rise and approach Callais. Callais starts out the door but not before telling Lt. Dan Marten to “Keep up the ticket count LT!, Good job with those quotas!” Callais then exits.After Callais departs, Haynes asks all in the remaining in the room, “Is there anyone else?” Then he yells to the top of his lungs, “IS THERE ANYONE ELSE? YOU SEE? THAT IS THE TYPE OF INDIVIDUAL YOUR BELOVED CHIEF HIRED INTO THIS DEPARTMENT! THAT CANCER! AND IT’S SPREADING PEOPLE! YOU DID THIS TO YOUR CHIEF! EVERY ONE OF YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR PUTTING THE KNIVES IN HIS BACK, NOT ME! YOU DID THIS! (Condescending) YOU POLICE OFFICERS WITH YOUR BIG BADGE AND YOUR BIG GUN! YOU THINK YOU’RE ALL JUST BIG BAD ASSES DON’T YOU? HOW DO YOU SLEEP AT NIGHT KNOWING THAT YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR CHIEFS TERMINATION! YOU WANT TO BLAME ME, YOU GO RIGHT AHEAD IF THAT HELPS YOU SLEEP BETTER AT NIGHT, IF THAT’S WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL BETTER ABOUT YOURSELVES THEN YOU GO RIGHT AHEAD! DOES ANYONE ELSE WANT TO GO WITH HIM? YOU GO RIGHT NOW. I COULDN’T GIVE A DAMN IF EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU QUIT RIGHT NOW! IF YOU’RE ON BOARD THEN LET’S GO! IF NOT, THEN YOU GET THE HELL OFF MY SHIP!” Haynes then storms out of the room. Meeting adjourned.
This, my friend, is in fact the truth. You will not hear this from any other source and I can almost guarantee that. Hardeeville is in big trouble! So long as Shane Haynes is in office, all who are concerned will suffer. It is my hope that the elections will change things but my fear is that it will only get worse! What needs to happen is an outside source, perhaps from the State or an official from the state needs to come in and investigate what is going on. Truth-Hardeeville can barely make payroll every week. Just ask their clerk. She won’t tell you that though. She’d lose her job too. There’s a lot wrong there! It just takes the right person to change it and make all the wrongs right. That person is NOT Shane Haynes. Part of the solution was Chief Hubbard. But he was not willing to play the game…the rules were unfair and the cards were stacked against him. He was too honest of a man and too good hearted. His only concern was the good citizens of Hardeeville. Just walk around and field interview. You’ll see. The answers are all out there. All you need to do is ask. Just get ready! You’ll be the next victim if you’re not careful. Shane Haynes had Hardeeville running scared.Case in point~Sincerely and honestly yours,Anonymous!
Monday, February 12, 2007
Who will replace Rodney Cannon?
Who will replace Mayor Cannon? Bill Horton?
Is he well liked in the community?
What are your thoughts?
EDITED - This is what the City web site has to say about him:
"Elected in 2004, Horton is a nationally registered paramedic and a Lieutenant on nearby Hilton Head Island. He is also a heavy-duty towing and recovery specialist for Sapp's Wrecker Service in Savannah. He is a native of Hilton Head, but has spent most of his life in Hardeeville. He and his wife Mary have three children and two grandchildren.mailto:bhorton@cityofhardeeville.com"
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
Sunday, February 4, 2007
Picture of Brooks Willis' city phone number on sign.
The attached photo shows Brooks' City of Hardeeville cell phone number listed on the real estate companies' sign that he works for part time.
Quite interesting!
Audio of Shane's meeting with the Police Dept.
This is the link to the audio from the last meeting Shane had with the police Department. The part at about the 13 minute mark is good and the very end when he yells "Is there anyone else who wants to go."
There is also an audio link at the bottom left hand side of the web page.
http://dl9.ohshare.com/v/241679/ShaneMP3Lowquality.mp3.html
Click download file once you get to the site.
Monday, January 29, 2007
When Brooks Willis and Mayor Cannon struck.
By MIKE GISICK
The Beaufort Gazette
White insisted Thursday he was told to fire Keefner.
"They never said anything about resignation," he said. "I'm not going to go and fire a man on my own knowing I'm only in charge for two weeks."
Within six weeks of that meeting, White had been forced to submit his own resignation after he was told his position had been cut from the budget.
"That's all they told me: restructuring," White said Thursday. "Now they're saying it's because of Keefner. All I did was what I was told to do."
By MIKE GISICK
The Beaufort Gazette
HARDEEVILLE -- Faced with widening criticism over the ouster of the city treasurer and several senior police officers, City Manager Shane Haynes offered his first public defense of those moves this weekend, more than three months after the shake-up began.
Haynes said he moved to revamp the police department beginning in May after he became convinced that internal "disharmony" was undermining the department's performance and as he became increasingly disturbed by the performance of three senior officers.
Those concerns came to a head, he said, during police Chief James Hubbard's two-week leave during the first half of May.
"We had a significant problem with divisions emerging within the department," Haynes said. "It was obvious to the administration that our mid-level management ... had not demonstrated that it could perform in the absence of the chief."
Haynes' account of events in May and June, parts of which were disputed by several of the former officers, came in the wake of sharp attacks on Haynes' handling of the situation and two new threats of litigation.
The former treasurer and two officers have filed civil rights complaints claiming they were forced from their jobs because they are black.
Late last week, former Staff Sgt. Rick Keefner, who is white, said it has become his "No. 1 priority" to pursue legal action against the city.
Friday, a top official with a group that provides legal aid to police officers leveled harsh criticism at Haynes and said his organization likely would decide early this week whether to pursue legal action against the city.
Richard Banks, an operational director with the Southern States Police Benevolent Association, said veteran officers cannot easily be replaced and deserved better than seeing their jobs slashed in a back room.
"I find it rather disturbing that a city manager would conduct himself in such an unprofessional manner," Banks said. "He has exposed taxpayers to serious liability. I really don't know what he's thinking."
In all, the city treasurer and five police officers have either been fired or forced to resign since May. The city has at times appeared to shift its explanation for those moves -- first calling them a restructuring effort and then announcing staff had uncovered "possible procedural and other irregularities" involving former employees -- while offering virtually no details.
About 50 mostly black residents picketed City Hall last month demanding answers. The city has gone to court seeking to block The Beaufort Gazette from viewing the former employees' personnel records.
Differing Accounts
The turmoil began May 1, when city officials asked Chief Hubbard to take two-weeks leave for what Haynes and Mayor Rodney Cannon later described as a badly needed vacation.
The same day, Capt. Jerome White, who had been placed in command of the department, met with Haynes and Deputy City Manager Kevin Griffin at City Hall, White said Thursday.
The first order of business, White said, was Keefner.
"(Haynes) said, 'Keefner's got to be fired today,'" White said. "He said, 'I'd do it myself, but I'd prefer if you did it.'"
Saturday, Haynes said that by May he had determined that Keefner -- a 16-year veteran of Hardeeville police -- had become a divisive force in the department.
"Officer Keefner was one of several officers whose attitudes and interactions within the department had grown increasingly negative," Haynes said.
But Haynes said he instructed White to request Keefner's resignation and fire him only if Keefner refused to step down. The distinction is significant because officers who are fired can have their police certifications revoked, making it tough for them to find another law enforcement job in South Carolina.
White insisted Thursday he was told to fire Keefner.
"They never said anything about resignation," he said. "I'm not going to go and fire a man on my own knowing I'm only in charge for two weeks."
Within six weeks of that meeting, White had been forced to submit his own resignation after he was told his position had been cut from the budget.
"That's all they told me: restructuring," White said Thursday. "Now they're saying it's because of Keefner. All I did was what I was told to do."
Haynes said Saturday that White's "unfortunate mishandling" of Keefner's termination was only one factor in the decision to let the 19-year veteran go.
"It resulted from much the same reason that officer Keefner was asked to resign -- personality conflicts, failure to follow directives and complete assigned tasks, divisive attitude and actions and erosion in the commitment to team above self," Haynes said.
Ditto for Lt. Eric Washington, who submitted his resignation in mid-May after he was given the choice of stepping down or being fired, Haynes said.
Haynes said the decision to ask for White's and Washington's resignations was made by Hubbard. But Haynes said he supported it.
Hubbard has declined repeated requests for an interview in recent months.
Keefner said last week that he believed Hubbard had lost control of personnel decision-making.
"Shane's trying to backpedal from it now, but he's the one calling the shots," Keefner said. "I think he just used the captain as a pawn to do his dirty work."
Officer Cornelius Shiflett, who was forced to resign July 5 after a run-in with Cannon and City Councilor Brooks Willis over fireworks enforcement, said at the time he also believed Hubbard had lost control of personnel decisions.
Shiflett, Hardeeville's 2005 officer of the year, now works for the Jasper County Sheriff's Office, Chief Deputy Roy Hughes said. So does Mike Benton, a former Hardeeville officer who resigned last month after he was transferred to the recreation department.
Banks, who left Hardeeville last week with harsh words, said residents need to consider that it takes years for an officer to learn their job and their community.
"This incompetent is just throwing these people overboard like they mean nothing," he said of Haynes. "These men have families."
Haynes said he was well aware of that.
"I have spent many sleepless nights concerned for them and their well-being, regardless of what some may think of me," he said.
But with tens-of-thousands of new residents expected to arrive here during the next decade, Haynes said the police department needed to be overhauled now. He said the city had contracted with a firm called Police Management Consulting to come up with a restructuring plan, which had been promised in July but never arrived. The city has advertised to hire an assistant police chief.
"I don't regret the tough decision we have made," Haynes said.
And while Haynes has come under increasing fire from outside city government, he still apparently enjoys the support of the City Council, which made him one of the best-paid city managers in the state under the city's new budget.
About that treasurer
Questions still linger over the removal of Santesia Henderson, the city's former treasurer and human resources director.
Keefner said he believed that Henderson might have played some role in his dismissal. He said he had clashed with her over a worker's compensation claim resulting from his fall down a flight of stairs in December 2005. And Keefner said it was Washington -- who is married to Henderson -- who marked his separation paperwork with the words "do not rehire -- contact human resources."
"For a long time I would have said she was the one running City Hall," Keefner said of the former treasurer.
Officials said last month that an auditor would be brought in to investigate the "possible irregularities" uncovered since Henderson's departure.
Haynes, who had said no signs of impropriety had emerged after Henderson left, said the investigation would include finances and personnel decisions.
"We're going to look at everything," he said.
Henderson said she'd received a letter from the city stating she was asked to resign because she became upset over her husband's removal -- an explanation she called ridiculous.
"It's just one lie after another," she said. "Enough is enough."
Henderson, Washington and White all have filed civil rights complaints with the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission, their lawyer, Susan Broch, has said.
Part of Henderson's claim is that she was retaliated against because she is married to Washington, Broch said.
Keefner, meanwhile, has been allowed to resign, Haynes said. Haynes said Keefner's termination paperwork was never submitted to the state.
Keefner said he submitted a letter of resignation to Hubbard shortly after the chief returned from leave and had since received a recommendation from Hubbard. But Keefner said he regretted the decision to resign.
"I resigned on what I now consider to be ill advice," he said. "I recant my resignation."
Keefner said he stopped by City Hall Thursday evening planning to attend the city council meeting but felt sick and didn't go inside.
"It's embarrassing, having everybody know that you got fired," he said. "I ran into a guy yesterday, and I know I must have arrested his father at least seven times."
Article detailing Chief Hubbard's demise.
By Savannah Morning News
Created 2007-01-17 23:30
Erinn McGuire | Thursday, January 18, 2007 at 12:30 am
HARDEEVILLE, S.C. - The city's police chief was fired Tuesday, the ninth officer to have been terminated, asked to resign or reassigned to another city department in the past year.
Hardeeville terminates police chief
By Savannah Morning News
Created 2007-01-17 23:30
Erinn McGuire | Thursday, January 18, 2007 at 12:30 am
HARDEEVILLE, S.C. - The city's police chief was fired Tuesday, the ninth officer to have been terminated, asked to resign or reassigned to another city department in the past year.
Chief James Hubbard had been with the Hardeeville Police Department for 26 years. He served as chief for the past six years. City Manager R. Shane Haynes announced Wednesday that Hubbard no longer was with the police department following a nine-month review of city departments, including the police department.
Haynes announced the move in a prepared statement Wednesday.
"There have been numerous meetings between (Hubbard) and the administration during this time in an effort to address the myriad of issues that have been identified as the review progressed," he said. Haynes made no mention as to what the issues might be.
His statement said he would answer no more questions Wednesday, citing city policies to not address personnel issues.
But there have been problems, and at least some people have questioned the recent changes.
Jimmy Pinckney, a longtime Hardeeville resident who now resides in Island West, said Hubbard's parting was not amicable.
"Right is right, and wrong is wrong, and this is wrong," Pinckney said. "The city of Hardeeville don't care about the old Hardeeville or the people who have lived there their entire lives. They don't want any input from the old citizens."
Pinckney said the city's reasoning for Hubbard's dismissal was too vague.
"The people are owed an explanation," he said. "You just don't go in and upset a small community and not be open about it. It makes it seem like they're hiding something."
Hubbard wasn't the only officer to leave the department this week. On Wednesday morning, Pfc. Warren Callais turned in his badge, said Hardeeville spokesman Paul Floeckher. A third officer quit Sunday, leaving the police department with about eight officers.
Floeckher said he wasn't sure why Callais left the department. Pfc. Chris McIntosh accepted a job with the nearby Ridgeland Police Department.
In early 2006, several officers left the department. The first to go was Rick Keefner, a staff sergeant with 16 years of experience. Eric Broxton, Lt. Eric Washington, Neal Shiflett and Mike Benton left soon after. Capt. Jerome White, the department's former second in command, also left last year. White, Benton and Shiflett are now Jasper County deputies.
During the same time, Hubbard was forced to take a two week vacation.
Later that summer, city officials said the police department was undergoing reorganization. In June, a "reduction in force" was approved for the police department. It was determined the police department had become top heavy and needed more officers on the streets.
A city council meeting will take place at 6 p.m. tonight at City Hall on Main Street in Hardeeville.
Lt. Dan Martin will act as interim chief.
The city will conduct a "national search" for a permanent replacement, Haynes said.
Calls to Hubbard's home were not returned Wednesday night.
Article written when Shane Haynes was forced out of office.
She cried while she was doing it, but Springfield Mayor Doris Flythe helped Shane Haynes, the city's first administrator, clear out his office Tuesday afternoon.
Haynes forced to resign as Springfield administrator
Mayor, others wear black in silent protest as council accepts resignation letter.
By Charles Cochran
Savannah Morning News
She cried while she was doing it, but Springfield Mayor Doris Flythe helped Shane Haynes, the city's first administrator, clear out his office Tuesday afternoon.
A short time earlier, a two-member delegation from the City Council had paid Haynes a visit, informing him that a majority of the council planned to vote him out of a job that night.
Council members Keith Johnson and Randy Shearouse gave Haynes, who had been working without a contract since he took the job in February, the option of resigning with a 90-day severance package.
Text of Haynes' resignation letter
Dear Mayor Flythe:
I hereby tender my resignation as the City Administrator for the City of Springfield effective immediately. I do this with a heavy heart. Not because I have any ill will toward you, City Council, the staff or any of the wonderful citizens of Springfield. I offer my resignation because I care too much for this City to be the cause of even a moment of divisiveness.
I feel the same about Springfield today as I did the day I accepted the job. I feel a tremendous sense of pride knowing that I have had the opportunity to work alongside some of the finest individuals the Lord has made.
I pray that he will continue to bless you, the Council, staff members and citizens of Springfield. It has truly been a pleasure. Thank you.
Sincerely,
R. Shane Haynes
Haynes accepted the offer. So Flythe wore black as she read his resignation letter to a hushed council chamber Tuesday evening, as did councilman Stephen Mobley and Better Hometown Program director Jennifer Senter.
"It was a sight to behold," Flythe said later. "We couldn't protest out loud, but we did it in our own subtle way."
There are no plans to hire a replacement. Instead, the city will revert the structure that existed before Haynes was hired in February, with City Clerk Cathy Rushing overseeing day-to-day affairs.
Flythe said Haynes fell prey to a block of four council members -- Johnson, Shearouse, Max Neidlinger, and Harris Hinely, Sr. -- who are bent on slashing city property taxes. But she believes city services may end up suffering.
"Cutting city taxes is fine if you've got money coming in from another source, but we don't have any more money coming in," Flythe said. "We've got the (state) Environmental Protection Division down our necks wanting us to raise the water and sewer rates, but they don't want to do that, either.
"I don't know what they think we're going to use for money."
Shearouse said the matter boiled down to Haynes failing to secure state and federal grants that would have helped to defray his $45,000-per-year salary.
"When we first hired Shane, those grants were part of the hiring conditions that we discussed," Shearouse said. "It came down to a budget issue as to whether Springfield could afford an administrator. Just looking at the budget, we didn't feel like it could (afford an administrator) any longer because the position would not be subsidized through grants or other outside income."
At the same time, it looks unlikely that Springfield will move forward with Haynes' proposal to privatize its public works department, turning it over to Operations Management International, Inc.
Shearouse said he remains open to the idea, but that he's not convinced that it's right for Springfield. "I'm not sure that it's feasible at this point. I'm not sure that that's what Springfield needs," he said.
Ray Richard, a regional manager for Operations Management International, Inc., laid out a detailed proposal for managing Springfield's $500,000 per year public works operation during a council meeting earlier this month.
Haynes, who didn't attend Tuesday night's council meeting and severed his final tie with the city when he turned in a car Wednesday morning, said he has no regrets -- and that he isn't angry.
"I think that in small-town government, especially in south Georgia, change is not always seen as a good thing in the minds of many people," Haynes said.
Whether he is there or not, the city needs to move right now, Haynes said, to accommodate the new residents that will move in during the next five or 10 years.
"Hopefully, there'll be some measures taken to plan for that growth and really focus on the city's infrastructure," he said.
Haynes said he had believed for some time that his job might be in jeopardy.
"As the year has gone along, there have been some events that sort of signaled that the City Council may have believed they made a mistake by hiring an administrator," Haynes said.
There was a hard-fought series of negotiations with the county government on fire service contracts and boundary lines for water delivery.
Council members are looking hard at possible cuts in the city police force next year.
And earlier this year, the council formed roughly into blocks after Johnson won the mayor pro tem's position that councilman Steve Mobley had long held.
Haynes, who moved his wife and toddler-aged son into a home outside Guyton in March, had worked in the Bulloch County tax commissioner's office prior to taking the Springfield job. He said he's not sure what he'll do next. Haynes holds a master's degree in public administration from Georgia Southern University.
Shane Haynes has a poor track record.
The city has tallied what it owes the state in employee retirement funds, and the bill will be paid this week, City Administrator Shane Haynes said Tuesday.
The Beaufort Gazette: Administrator: State will get pension funds
www.beaufortgazette.com/local_news/story/1136088p-1178622c.html
Published on: 2/27/2002 Last Visited: 2/27/2002
The city has tallied what it owes the state in employee retirement funds, and the bill will be paid this week, City Administrator Shane Haynes said Tuesday.
But Mayor Pro Tem Bronco Bostick said the matter goes "way deeper than making a bunch of payments." He's contacted Chief Deputy Roy Hughes of the Jasper County Sheriff's Office to request a State Law Enforcement Division investigation.
Haynes' and Bostick's comments came 24 hours after The Beaufort Gazette reported that the city was behind on employees' retirement fund payments.
The city takes money out of employees' paychecks and funnels it into a state retirement fund on their behalf. A state Budget and Control Board spokesman confirmed Monday that the city is $150,000 in arrears and hasn't paid into the fund for more than a year, nor sent matching funds as required by state law.
The board threatened to report Hardeeville to the state treasurer's office and to ask that office to withhold money designated for the city. Treasury payments are made quarterly, and Hardeeville has received $35,513 this fiscal year, officials have said.
...
Haynes said the city is working with Mims, Mellen, Hazel & Co., its Bluffton-based auditing firm, to finalize retirement reports.
Thirty-four employees were affected by the non-payment of funds, he said.
"We've gone through the entire matter with every employee affected," he said.
"There is no money missing. None of the employees will lose anything."
Hardeeville Business members receive letter.
Hardeeville Business members receive letter.
To whom it may concern (and hopefully, it will concern some!):
From: A long time resident of the wonderful city of Hardeeville
Regarding the Hardeeville Police Department, and the so called restructuring of same:
I have several questions that I believe should be addressed.
Do the members of the Hardeeville Town Council realize what is going on in the Police department? Yes, the termination of the Chief was probably warranted, however, several concerns now arise. The placement of power and supervision has now been bestowed on one who has been known to represent Hardeeville in an unprofessional manner, to say the least. Incidents of public alcohol intoxication, driving the city vehicle for personal use (hunting, fishing, personal long distance trips and alcohol use while in the city vehicle), of which were known to have been reported to upper level management by members of the community or by officers of the department, were obviously ignored or approved of and now have been rewarded by promotion to interim chief. Professionalism (or maybe education) is certainly not a strong point for the interim chief, as evidenced by department memos that are filled with grammatical and spelling errors, sent on a department letterhead that self appoints the lieutenant as the “Intern” chief instead of interim chief. To speak with officers, the morale is certainly at an all time low (that is, when officers dare to speak, for they have been threatened with termination if they speak to the citizens or members of the council regarding what is happening in the police department or discussion of the behavior of the upper management in recent meetings at city hall).
Do the members of the council realize who is patrolling their streets? Four officers are not yet certified (have not yet attended the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy), and in fact have no prior law enforcement experience. Three are certified patrolmen, on Corporal, one Sergeant and the interim Chief (who, by the way, is not a legal South Carolina resident which is a requirement to be a police officer here. He lives in Rincon, GA, yet holds a South Carolina drivers license, which I believe to be a violation of the law). As a matter of fact, only one officer resides in the city limits.
Do the council members realize that increased revenue, by way of traffic enforcement, seems to be the goal for upper management? Do they realize that upper management would be satisfied with the elimination of the current police department, having a clean slate, so to speak, at the expense of the safety of the citizens of Hardeeville? A suggestion was made by same upper management, (who also does not reside in South Carolina), that the Sheriff’s department could answer calls in the interim. As you may be aware, Jasper County in a very large county with two deputies routinely covering the entire area. Response time would certainly be increased dramatically. With the expected growth, who will be drawn to out city?
I cannot understand, if council members area aware of such conduct, how they allow this behavior to continue. If this type of behavior is condoned by our elected leaders, what kind of community or family environment are we choosing to live in? Hometown Hardeeville is fast becoming a thing of the past and other law enforcement communities look at us as a joke.
I am, apologetically, writing this letter anonymously. I fear that revealing my identity would being hardship, even retaliation, on me yet I feel that it’s time for things to come to light.
Following are incidents that are documented, (or can be verified), involving the acting interim chief:
Frequently socializes with his subordinate officers, with heavy alcohol use, in the city vehicle. On one such occasion, requested an on duty Hardeeville officer, (in a marked unit), to meet with him and follow him home, (out of state), maintaining cell phone contact so as to advise him when he was leaving the road. The officer, upon returning to the city, reported the incident to his supervisor and the police chief.
A citizen, dining on a late night at the Waffle House, observed an intoxicated Lt. Martin shooting spitballs and heckling a Hardeeville police officer who was working off duty there. This incident was reported to City Hall by said citizen.
Very shortly after above incident, the same lieutenant was observed drinking at a Bluffton restaurant/bar, (again with the subordinate officers), throwing food that prompted an altercation with another diner.
The lieutenant was counseled on above activity and advised that he was no longer to socialize in public with subordinate officers, yet continues to do so.
During hunting season, the lieutenant’s city vehicle was observed frequently unattended at mile marker 4 on I-95 while he was hunting. It is an ordinance violation to hunt in the city limits. The city vehicle has also been seen pulling a personal boat around town.
As a last note, the weekend after being named interim chief, he socialized with his subordinate officers, (heavy alcohol consumption was involved), resulting in one officer unable to report for duty the following night.
The city manager’s behavior at a recent meeting with the police department employees should be reviewed.
In closing: Is the appointed interim chief the best we could do? Is this the direction that the council is entrusting the city manager to lead the police department in? Is this the kind of city that the council wants for it’s citizens?
CC: members of city council, The Island Packet, The Beaufort Gazette, The Blutton Today, Savannah Morning News, Hardeeville City Hall, Hardeeville Businesses.
Acting Chief acts like he can spell.
Acting Chief Dan Martin proves education is key.
Acting Chief Dan Martin has proven that a good education is key to the success of any police Chief, so let's hope that he gets replaced soon.
Please view the attached memo he wrote.
