Jewett Police Chief Whittington resigns, interim appointed

Marty Navarro is Jewett’s Interim Police Chief. Sherry’s Shots A troubled and concerned City Council met in a special called meeting on Monday, August 31, 2009 at the Jewett City Hall. The meeting was called to appoint an interim police chief following the resignation of Chief Larry Whittington.

Until recently the Jewett police force consisted of five patrolmen, including the chief. Several patrolmen have recently resigned -- the last two being Wade Thomas and Whittington -- bringing the Jewett Police force down to two. Patrolmen Marty Navarro and Sean O’Reilly are the remaining officers. Wade Thomas attended the meeting but made no comment.

Mayor Judi Kirkpatrick opened the meeting by announcing that the first item on the agenda was to consider and act on hiring an interim police chief. She then said that Marty Navarro was interested in the job and she believed him to be qualified with an Advanced Police Officer Certification and several years’ experience, including serving in the Leon County Sheriff’s Department.

The Council agreed unanimously to hire Navarro subject to a six-month probation as stated in the Jewett City Policy. Councilman John Sitton said he felt the Chief should be out on patrol rather than spending his time in the office. Other council members agreed.

Next on the agenda was the need to lift the hiring freeze which the City has been under for several months. The Council voted to lift the hiring freeze and hire one additional officer, bringing the total force to three. There was some discussion about keeping only two but the new Interim Chief said that it would definitely take three patrolmen to be able to cover the city 24/7.

The Council discussed purchasing another patrol car since the ones currently being used are very high mileage and in poor condition. One person in attendance suggested buying a truck or SUV since the streets and road were in such bad shape, however the Council did not agree and explained that cars would better suit the police department’s needs.

When discussing where the money would come from to buy the car, Mayor Kirkpatrick said the city plans to apply for a grant to provide some of the money and perhaps sell two or three of the old vehicles and apply that to the funds to the new one.

John Sitton suggested that the Council see what is available and come back for further discussion at the regular meeting in two weeks. The group agreed.

Mayor Kirkpatrick explained the next item on the agenda was to act on revision to the Police Policy and Procedure Manual. She said she recommends changing the Police Chief requirement of Master to Advanced Police Officer Certificate. Kirkpatrick also recommended that the running portion of the Police Department Physical Test be omitted from the required qualifications. The Council approved both amendments.

The last item on the agenda was to consider and act on the sale of one of the old police vehicles. Chris Johnson, Constable for Leon County, offered a sealed bid on one of the white cars. He also offered to be a reserve officer for Jewett if needed. Mayor Kirkpatrick opened the sealed envelop and disclosed that it contained a $500 bid. The Council voted to accept the funds and sell the vehicle.