Town Of Cedar Bluff Upholds Termination Of Police Chief

The Cedar Bluff Town Council held a due process hearing for Police Chief Chris O’Neal at 4 o’clock Monday afternoon with an overflow crowd of supporters for the Chief in attendance. After the opening prayer and pledge, Mayor Crane ask for an executive session for the purpose of discussing the good name and character. After three hours and fifty five minutes, Mayor Crane called the Council back into session at 8:00PM.

She then recommended the termination of Chief O’Neal without giving any explanation or reason. The Council approved the recommendation on a 3-1 vote. Councilman Jack Bond was out of town on vacation and was not in attendance. During the July 12 meeting the Council, on Mayor Crane’s recommendation, voted to Vacate The Police Chief’s Office.

After the meeting was over, O’Neal had these comments:

We ask O’Neal if he had been on Paid Administrative Leave since the July 12 action by the Town Council, his Attorney Gina Coggin Price gave us this comment:

According to information obtained by WEIS Radio News, Chief O’Neal has not been given a reason for the dismissal in writing nor had he been issued any warnings in writing or given any discipline regarding any manner that would warrant dismissal.

There were more than 100 residents in attendance inside and outside the Council Chambers to show their support for the Chief. Many voiced their displeasure and disappointment with the Council’s actions.

 

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