It is clear a deal of some sort was struck. Not pushing forward with the disciplinary notes is a judgment call and not that big a deal in the greater scheme of things. Bad form to press on that issue as someone is going out the door; sorta like having a 15-0 lead and having the runner steal home in the 9th inning.
I certainly am alarmed to hear the chief suffered a 'work-related injury' that will require surgery tomorrow, and that his recuperation could take six (6) months. What a brave and steadfast guy to manfully plow on through grueling TV and newspaper interviews and deer hunting, while giving no external sign of the excruciating pain shooting throughout his body. Must have been a notable sight in the woods with his day-glo yellow hunting apparel and sharp creases slicing a path through the underbrush.
Certainly he timely filed an accident report, and since it will result in many Lost Workdays it will be noted on the city's OSHA log of occupational injuries when it is posted. One for the tickle file.
Capturing and retaining a copy of his TV appearances since the onset of the injury should also be a pathway to the truth since his expressions and range of motion can be readily observed. Not to mention the 'journalists' can share their observations.
Getting him gone for 6 months of sick/vacation pay is a bargain.....but if the nature and severity of his malady is a substantial fiction, folks should raise hell with all parties to the plot.
For comparison, I had several overweight employees who were on their feet all day at work who had knee or hip replacements; they were back to work in 3-5 months (had 100% pay while on STD, too); none were spring chickens either.
For the future:
1) First I favor having the SPD folded into the Sheriff's office; would provide consistency of operation without co-ordination of jurisdiction issues.
2) If that is not to be, the new hire/internal promote should have a City of Salisbury residence requirement that is poured in concrete; 90 days to make the move.
3) In theory, I usually favor an internal promotion if the proper skill set and track record are already on staff. The drawback to this path, at this time, is that those already on the payroll with any command experience have appeared to have happily carried out Mr Perfect Record's wishes. How much change can be expected from those operatives?
4) If the city and county forces are not to be merged, then I think evaluating past and present MSP leaders who reside in our area is worth considering before the city spends on advertising and air fare for candidates from more distant locales. A novice mayor, elected to office for the first time, got it terribly wrong the last time a chief was hired. I think Mr. Ireton is quite a bit smarter than his predecessor and hopefully will make a better set of recruitment decisions.
5) Finally, I think the new chief should serve without an employment contract; with clearly defined goals and measurements outlined to the candidates before the hiring decision is made.
Have a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!
Signed,
An Interested Reader
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
rumor has it he is having surgery on his rotator cuff.
ReplyDeleteHe looked awfully comfortable to me with his feet propped up on his desk during that WBOC interview. Sounds like someone should investigate some injury and workman's disability fraud.
ReplyDeleteI say get rid of city goverment and services and fold everything into the county.
ReplyDeletejust wonder how much workmans comp will setlle for since he wont be able to work in his field agian because of it
ReplyDeleteforcing him out turn out o be costly for us, should have left him be
Sooo....the City is going to suffer until they find a replacement for Webster in June? What good does that do?
ReplyDeleteWonder which physician is signing off on the disabiliy forms.
ReplyDeleteSooo, for how many months/years has Webster been taking narcotic pain relievers while carrying a weapon,driving his city cruiser, giving testimony, signing paperwork and making decisions?
ReplyDeleteI just had to ask.
The Writer of the post has some excellent points, let's hope the Mayor reads them!
ReplyDeletecall it what you want it's just another way of saying seperation agreement
ReplyDeleteno offense to any troopers, but rumors about any retired troopers taking the chief position have been going around for awhile. one in particular is not what the city needs. we do need change, but the change this person will bring(as his record with msp shows) is not gonna do spd any good. the city does not need all its officers in pretty hats and shiny shoes making traffic stops all day long. that will solve nothing.
ReplyDeleteWhy can't this be an elected position?
ReplyDeleteAll City and County services should be folded together. The savings would be unbelievable.
ReplyDeleteEspecially once all the arrogant a$$holes are dethroned.
Good article and suggestions writer!
Why can't he work light duty after surgery like everybody else? Is there any difference between light duty and regular duty for somebody with a desk job?
ReplyDeleteThe city officers have LEOPS and the deputies don't so you can't merge them together.
ReplyDeleteI have worked in the health field for 27 years and know of no shoulder surgery that takes 6 months to recover from. I had rotator cuff surgery myself and was back to work in 8 weeks doing heavy lifting of critically ill patients. Recovery of a total shoulder replacement is less than 6 months. Has he accrued this much sick time and just wants to burn it up? I would be interested in which physician is going to write the notes to keep him out of work for 6 months!
ReplyDelete