Lebanon Police Chief Forced in to Early, Early Retirement
By
KSPR News
By
Joanna Small
Story Created:
May 16, 2008
Story Updated:
May 16, 2008
Lebanon's police chief is back in the headlines Friday, for the last time.
That’s because at eight o'clock Monday morning Sam Mustard will no longer be employed by the city.
We first reported the problems last month after the new mayor restructured the police force, demoting nine officers.
When we spoke with him Friday, Mayor CP Craig wouldn't comment on Chief Mustard's retirement.
Originally, Mustard planned to work three and half more years; a week ago he submitted his resignation effective August 1st; now he'll be put on administrative leave until then.
We decided to find out how the people this war impacts feel about it.
"It's a personnel issue I won't discuss."
While Lebanon Mayor CP Craig was tight-lipped about the city police chief's early, early retirement, the 35-year LPD veteran was not.
“I was asked to step aside for the good of the department.”
In closed session Thursday between members of the police board.
“As long as I'm going to retire anyway this suits me,” Mustard says.
But it certainly doesn't suit everyone.
Both mayor the police department represent the citizens of Lebanon so we decided to ask them what they think.
“I the mayor just made a bunch of changes and didn't really know what was going on,” says Rose, a Lebanon resident.
“I think people wanted change. They elected him, now they need to stand behind him,” explains Jeanine Lowe, also a Lebanon resident.
“The people of Lebanon don't deserve what they've got with the new mayor.”
Lawana Hulsey is not a big CP Craig supporter.
She says she is offended on behalf of the demoted police officers and now that the force has lost a fourth officer this week, she fears for her safety.
“I’m really frightened for the people of Lebanon,” Hulsey continues.
The mayor assures there's no reason to worry.
Craig says, “we’ve had resumes and applications already submitted.”
For the three vacant officer positions, and a search for a new chief will begin immediately.
The assistant chief will assume the role in the interim.
But some citizens are more concerned with finding a new mayor.
Rose says, “I think we need to get rid of our mayor."
City police have filed nine grievances against mayor Craig.
He's prepared written responses to each officer.
If they're not satisfied, those officers can take their issues before the police board.
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Monday, May 19 at 10:16 PM Anonymous wrote ...
I have lived in Lebanon my whole life and I have never seen so much contraversy. I feel that this town needed a change as well but he should have started in other revenues. There was no need to have 15 Supervisors for the 14 Police Officers but there was no need to pull their rank...they deserved that title and worked hard for it. In my opinion, Mr. Craig needs to apologize to those men. Sincerly, Sarah
Sunday, May 18 at 10:16 PM Lebanon Citizen wrote ...
I support the mayor in everything he has done. I don't feel that my safety is threatened with less police officers on the force. I think the city of Lebanon had too many officers for a city the size of Lebanon. I think most of those who are complaining have realized the "gravy train" of the last administration has left the station. I will be interested to see the results of the audit when they are released to the public. I agree with you Sherry W., it was time for change.
Saturday, May 17 at 7:52 AM Sherry W. wrote ...
I have lived in Lebanon for 39 years. We voted in the new mayor. Isn't any good leader supposed to step on some toes and change things to make them better? I do not feel any less protected by our police force. I do understand about some of the officers being upset. I would be to in their shoes. I still think the mayor is doing what he should be doing and that is making changes to hopefully better our city officials. Maybe it was just time for a change.
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