Well, let me tell you, the situation got worse and once again Salisbury News might be the ONLY news source out there providing the following information. Why, because every one else is too afraid to ROCK the political Eastern Shore World.
Quite some time ago David Owens had reached the "drop program" within the Maryland State Police. Sheriff Mike Lewis went to Salisbury Police Chief Barbara Duncan to encourage her to hire Owens for the new CID Commander position. Duncan took it into serious consideration until the majority of Police Officers created a petition AGAINST hiring Owens and insisted the SPD hire from within.
Lets make something very clear here, before I continue. It's very important you understand how the Police and Military work. When you hire someone you always consider your own staff first. The Army doesn't hire a Marine to run a command, so to speak. Police Officers do not take kindly having a MSP Officer running the Sheriff's Department, if you get my drift.
Well, a grievance was filed in the Sheriff's Department because Sheriff Mike Lewis immediately hired Owens to a Sargent position, out ranking many Officers and NOT promoting, (as promised) from within. On top of that Sheriff Lewis also paid Sgt. Owens a TOP salary and refused to give that position to Jeff Rantz, (who is now serving in our armed forces in Afghanistan) next in line for the position.
An Arbitrator was brought in to review the hiring of Mr. Owens. Again, note what I said earlier. Kudos to Chief Duncan for refusing to hire Owens and instead chose to hire from within, Lewis did not follow suit and really upset his Staff/Deputies. Also remember that Sheriff Mike Lewis came from the MSP before being elected to Sheriff.
That being said, Sheriff Lewis allegedly stated to the Arbitrator that he snatched Owens from the jaws of the SPD and this is just not true. Duncan refused to hire Owens. Lewis hired Owens because the SPD rejected him, with all due respect.
The Arbitrator allegedly told Sheriff Lewis to STOP saying he paid Owens a higher salary using the excuse that COMAR gave him the right to do so. The Arbitrator also stated that he now has 10 hours into this case at $350.00 an hour and he'll probably have another 10 hours into it before he's done. He allegedly suggested that IF they had simply given Rantz the position he had deserved AND his back pay it would have been cheaper. It's been reported that Wicomico Attorney Ed Baker suggested they might give Rantz the position but refused to give him the back pay.
One can only hope that Rantz will get the deserved promotion and back pay he so deserves. Many Deputies share the belief that Sheriff Lewis is simply taking care of his buddies at the State Police and not from within the Sheriff's Department. We can expect a final decision/settlement from the Arbitrator very soon.
One thing is for sure, should Rantz, (once he returns from serving overseas) get the position he deserves we just might see morale finally go back up in the Sheriff's Department. This move caused a LOT of damage from within.
54 comments:
Not sure how your headline "Sheriff Mike Lewis in Hot Water with Deputies and Arbitrator" is remotely accurate. At no point did the arbitrator say or do anything to out him in "hot water". The arbitrator simply stated the obvious, had Sheriff Lewis just promoted Rantz, it would have been cheaper. That is OBVIOUS. Certainly not chastising Mike or saying that he shouldn't/couldn't have done what he did. Nowhere does it say that Mike did anything illegal or against COMAR. Nowhere does it say that Mike didn't have the right to do what he did. Much ado about nothing. Quit trying to create hype for something that is a non event
Shame, shame, shame. I was surprised to see Owens in the "beautiful" picture of Mikey's picture that "won" something for him. Owens looked out of place. Mikey you can do better than that. Do morals count for anything these days? They must not.
Turns out, county voters are not any smarter than Salisbury voters, judging by who they elect.
Owens is a fantastic officer and I can see why they would go out of their way to hire quality.
Lewis is a lying turd - a pile of waste that really stinks too. Owens has covered for Deputies and vise versa. It is a den of thieves in that building. Lewis is a legend only in his own mind. Hope he's out and Owens is out. Good by!!
Well, if Rantz does get position, its Sheriff Lewis choice especially after all this to make him Court Security for rest of his career..
Dont believe me, ask Ken Pusey... THats what happened when he wanted to run against Nelms and disagreed with something.
Rantz career will be difficult at best unless Lewis leaves becuase of this article Joe or the arbitration ...
Who really cares??? The State Police and County are nothing more than highway patrol.
What was the last violent crime you can recall that either department actually solved?
My point exactly…..
I would just like to say I am praying for Rantz's safe return from Afghanistan, regardless of what is going on in the Sheriff's department.
It disturbs me that this dispute involves the position of a man serving our country. What an awful message to send.
First of all the majority of this information is false. Joe, you are being USED as a mouthpiece for the FOP! The only ones running their mouths about the situation are the minority of whiners in the FOP. Most of the whiners are upset because they have shown their true colors to Lewis and that is why they are going no where in the agency! Lewis and his staff are keeping their mouths shut and letting the arbitration process work the way it is supposed too! Shame on you FOP! You really misrepresented yourselves to the voters saying you we're only interested in retirement and disability! Now you want to tell Lewis how to run the agency! Just remember we elected Sheriff Lewis, not you! We trust in Lewis and we know he always does what he feels is the best for the agency and the citizens! I don't get to tell my boss how to run the business and neither should you!
anonymous 8:05, perhaps you should read the title again. Sheriff Lewis has been in hot water with the Deputies ever since he made the original decision. Now, IF there was nothing here, there wouldn't be an arbitrator in the first place.
I never suggested anywhere in my article that Sheriff Lewis did anything illegal.
"Give Rantz the position"? Is that what is done-just "give" someone a position? I thought all people sh/show that they are qualified for a position-whether is from within or not.....What is wrong with hiring someone with experience with MSP? Thank you to all officers in this county for trying to put all criminals behind bars & for all they sacrifice....some of us should walk a mile in their shoes for just one day!
When Rantz returns to the States from his overseas duty there is no guarantee he will want to return to WCSO. Depending on his MOS, he could very well seek a job in federal law enforcement.
Hunter Nelms did the same thing with Steve Matthews. That turned out to be a great decision. Nothing wrong with hiring the best man for the job. You gotta remember, "Road Dogs" can always find something to gripe about!
I can without a doubt say no one in that arbitration has spoken to any news source. There is a lot of hearsay. As to 9:48 to blast the F.O.P. for fighting for better benefits and disability for the rank and file you are very misled. There are many facts that have not been spoken by either side. The bottom line is the Wicomico County Sheriff's Manual clearly states who can and can not be promoted. This book is the word of "Mike" if you will. The rules apply to each and every deputy serving this county. People can say what they want but the Sheriff's Office is a fine agency. The Sheriff and his staff are great public servants. The issue has always been better benefits. If the deputies had gotten these under Lewes' term there would be no contract. This fight started under Hunter Nelms watch. It continued into Lewis' term. It is no big deal. It is being worked out. To blast Sheriff Lewis or the F.O.P. here for doing what both parties feel is the right thing is just wrong on many levels.
As for Owens being brought in at top pay that is an issue as well. I hope the F.O.P. is looking into that as well.
It is rumored that Sheriff Lewis gave his command staff a 10% raise when the rest of the county got 2%. That may well be a rumor.
I dont know what is going on but the collective bargaining being utilized in Ocean City has worked out well. It works at numerous agencies across the state.
All the police agencies in Wicomico County do a great job. Let these issues get resolved and let the cops get back to fighting crime.
These are the growing pains of a new system that is here to stay.
$350 an hour.. Really. He's not worth $350 an hour. That is o e problem with the system
8:05 PM
go to bed mikey. you have got a lot of crap to polish in the morning and don't forget the lifts in your shoes.
My goodness , if the man was qualified for the job then so be it. I didn't realize the police had a union , if so , then Lewis did a good thing. Someone has to make decisions. I'm feeling as though some don't agree with this , stop whining about this crap and move on.
I have some close connections with the sheriff's Dept. and so far this is not much of an issue. Just my opinion!
Rantz deserves to get his job when he returns. I don't know that he can be promoted while overseas serving in the military. When I was in the service I was told my job was there for me when I returned , that was it.
Maybe these guys are afraid of this x state trooper , maybe they think he will bring smoke on them , sounds like a rage of jealous men.
Anyway , get out there and protect us, stop the BS , leave that to the city council.
David Owens looks a though he is qualified and does have the credentials with experience to back him . The best man for the position should be the most qualified. Sorry folks but that's life in the fast lane , this decision is just the opposite of eastern shore good ole boys.
If you think Lewis upset the apple cart , then get over it and move on. Rantz is not even here to voice if I understand the situation , anyway how many sgts. do they need?
12:36 AM 8:55 PM PM - isn't it wonderful how this site monitors comments. Your comments add so much to the discussion and proves a brain or education is not needed when running a keyboard. It amazes me that you know the author of other comments on this site. How do you do that?
How is he in "hot water" with the Deputies? It should say "Deputies don't like a decision the Sheriff made and continue to cry about it". Here is a news flash, every single day, in America, employees don't like or don't agree with a decision management makes. Move on.
David Owens served in the Marines FYI.
David Owens is an outstanding law enforcement officer. Enough said.
I know David Owens and Jeff Rantz. This article has nothing to do with attacking either person. Both men are incredible human beings, as is Mike Lewis.
My job here is to share news and information and I have done just that.
Denying the Deputies had any problem with Lewis hiring Owens would be a load of crap. This has been ongoing for more than a year and morale has been way down in the department ever since.
Some comments here are accurate. Mike has a job to do and he is the Sheriff. He makes the final decision, like it or not. Again, that doesn't mean SOME have to like it or agree with it. Barbara Duncan has made several harsh decisions as well.
Leadership is rarely easy and articles like this can challenge how strong a back bone that leader has. Agree to disagree, if you like. However, the information I have provided is not wrong.
The bottom line is, you won't hear this from other news sources and we provide a forum in which those people involved and or interested can share their opinion through comments. You just have to take each comment with a grain of salt.
Long term employment has nothing to do with hiring the best person for the job. Promoting someone just because of length of service, doesn't mean you are getting the most qualified.
Since Mike is rarely in the office he needs to surround himself with qualified people to do his job. Traveling around the country doing training seminars is what Mike does best. He makes ten times the money doing that and Politt lets it happen. His outside income and interests is what bothers me most.
The truth is I am pissed in the Daily Times article "Best Dressed" Mike Lewis said he implemented the uniform when he was elected. That uniform was in place in 2001 when Mikey was on the by-pass doing whisper stops and taking all the credit. If he lies about something that simple wonder what he would do under real pressure. Just saying. As for some of his top staff I saw u at Kirk Daughtery's campaign head quarters kissing ass till you say Miky was winning. LOL birds of feather.
Joe glad to see you back. In about a week I will have a real post for you. Will show why Mikey really left the State Police. Mike u should have gave road partners more credit. know what I mean
9:08 He is an ELECTED official by the people and for the people! what does Pollitt have to do with it? Did you take Civics or are you from Baltimore!
Using Duncan as a baseline for making any personal choice is kinda like saying the POTUS has made qualified choices during his tenure. How often will a man as qualified as Owen's come around? We all moan and groan about "tenure" and now this....make up your minds. The best man was hired...plain and simple.
Smart move from a smart man.Thats why he's Sheriff.
I think if people knew the truth they would be pissed. There was nothing smart about what he did. He could have promted Rantz and hired Owens. It was a win on all parts. This is about ego period. Once this is over I hope the F.O.P. tells the whole truth. This should have never happend and it will cost tax payers plenty.
Not only did Nelms do that with Steve Matthews who he gave a ranking of Sergeant, he also hired Kirk Daugherty who was a retired First Sergeant from MSP at the rank of Deputy Chief, second in command. Hey I say hire the most qualified. Lewis is within his power, just like any other sheriff or chief to hire who they want for what positions they want. Look at the sheriff departments across the state more then 50% of them are run by retired MSP. That many voters can't be wrong. You also got to look at this Rantz will never be in CID when he returns after showing his true colors. If I were the sheriff, why would I promote someone to run my criminal division, knowing that he is in the guard, and is being deployed several times in the last 5 years. You got to be there to do the job
11:08. This makes me think of the whole pay parity thing. Deputies are always clamoring about wanting the same pay scale as MSP. The problem is, they are not MSP. Half of them couldn't (for whatever reasons) or wouldn't be State Troopers. My point is when you bring in a retired trooper you are adding a benefit to the agency and one who truly deserves the pay. Dave Owens earned this position and Mike has as well.
I never understood why Owens worked at the Sheriffs dept anyway. He has been there for years. Why did the state police have him assigned to the sheriffs dept in the first place? I don't think other counties have a state man at their beck and call full time.
Something tells me that Richie Wiersberg has something to do with all of this.
12:07 - Sgt. Owens, and several other troopers, worked (and still work) as a part of the Wicomico Bureau of Investigation; a consolidated investigative support unit that permits MSP and Sheriff's Office investigators to work collaboratively to address crime in this county. The Sheriff's Office just happened to have more available space to house the unit than the barrack did/does.
Owens led the unit (as an MSP sergeant) for over a decade. When his retirement date arrived, did his ability to lead the unit evaporate? No! Sheriff Lewis recognized the opportunity to have continuity in operations and hired Owens when none of his staff had the experience/ability to do it AS WELL as it was being done. That is smart leadership!
Chief Duncan wanted Owens, but caved to internal pressure from the rank and file. If she were honest, she'd probably tell you how much she regrets it now. That's why MSP handles all homicides in the city - because the Chief has confidence in her CID unit, right?
As a citizen of Wicomico County, I want the BEST person for the job to be in charge, not just the next guy on a list. Rantz may be a lot of things, but a better choice for this specific spot is not one of them!
Keep it up Albero, that car behind you will be the Sheriff one day and it wont's be pretty.
11:58 AM sounds to me like owens is double dipping. pulling down a pension while working for another agency! Aren't there any other candidates out there who would be grateful to have at least one salary? as for lewis he always was a punk and always will be. former msp? just a government thug with a gun who robs hardworking people along the highway! solved any real crime there lately Mikey?
when was the last time someone was CHARGED and actually Found guilty in Wico Co, Thomas leggs, not included.
How many homicides has Rantz handled and how many has Owens handled as well as supervised, end of discussion. And for the record, Rantz is one hell of a cop as well as a Patriot! Thank you for the service Jeff.
David Owens is a great police officer. I'm not disputing that. My concern is how many salaries is he (or any other retired police officer) entitled to at tax payer expense? He retired from MSP earning a high salary (anyone can look it up online to see the exact $$) and he was hired by the Sheriff's Dept. earning the same salary. So we (the tax payers) are paying him double the salary to do the same job??
If you retire you should be exempt from double dipping off the tax payer and taking a job from someone else.
Someone do some research. How many arrests and convictions does each have. Do some Judiciary case search. Either way you try to justify it, the fact is a policy is in place, it was negated to make way for the "Good Ole boy" system
What does anyone really expect. When Deputy Durham from Somerset County sought reinstatement because of an unjust firing from Sheriff Jones, Sheriff Lewis (who was on the review) rejected Deputy Durham even after a court found for Deputy Durham. It does make one wonder why Sheriff Lewis is siding with Sheriff Jones? Perhaps he and Jones swap stories at happy hour. Who knows!!
If, in fact, Sgt. Owens is double dipping, look around, there are many others!
Owens does not handle homicides. M.S.P. Homicide Unit handles homicides. Funny thing I dont remember Owens being a part of M.S.P. Homicide. Hmmmm I guess selling houses and campers on duty would not work under Joe Gambles command. I guess going to the gym in the middle of the day then an hour and a half at Green Turtle would not fly under that unit either. Ownens is a great guy. Coming into someones elses house and taking bread of the table was just not very smart.
Can someone tell me why a women wrecked multiple cars at the Salisbury Barrack years back. Thats right State Police cars. Owens and Lewis have a ton of dirt on eachother. Mikey not like the good ole days is it boy. Joe look into this u might be shocked what u find out. They said she was mentally ill. LOl Sick of Lewis and Owens.
How many people on here trashing Owens were arrested by him?
Sgt Owens is incredible at what he does. He is committed to his position and leads the charge to improve the practices of the WBI and ensure that cases are solved in record time with minimal spotlighting. He has a resume that is locally unmatched for the position he rightfully holds.
Is there just reason to feel compelled to provide Rantz an opportunity to receive the promotion upon his return...possibly. However, that's a decision to be made by the elected and qualified professionals that analyze and oversee the daily performance of our deputies not the continuation of a tenure based out of date practice. If Lewis is encouraged to reflect on his promotion practices then yes he should take that advisement as he moves ahead to ensure it is equitable
However for anyone to suggest that placing David Owens as the leading sgt of the WBI was anything less than the best decision for our Wicomico County Sheriffs Dept...then they don't know him, his abilities, or his performance history and therefore shouldn't be providing comment...separate the two.....and be thankful sgt owens holds the position he deserves!
This post is so far off based it is sad. It has been used to bash Sheriff Lewis, David Owens, Jeff Rantz, and the F.O.P. I am not sure who leaked this story or why. The truth is Sheriff Lewis did what he felt was best for the agency at the time. David Owens took a position that would have been hard to turn down. Jeff Rantz used a legal contractual means to resolve his issue with not being promoted. As he was next in line for promotion to Sgt. period it had nothing to do with W.B.I.
If anyone posting understand this process they would see this is nothing more than someone attempting to to a shot at Sheriff Lewis. The sad part is Owens and Rantz have been smeared as well and people have run far and wide with this.
To you mental midgets that dont get it Owens is now represented by the same F.O.P. and contract that represents Rantz.
This situation is nothing more than two sides trying to resolve a simple issue. It will be done and we will all move on. The Sheriff and the F.O.P. have a great working relationship. One can only assume why one would attempt to disrupt this relationship.
As for Joe Alebero being the mouth piece for the F.O.P. really? Mr. Albero has never been a fan of the F.O.P. or Collectice Bargaining. I really wish he would take the time to learn the truth about the F.O.P.
The F.O.P. does not discriminate. The F.O.P. represents all members no matter who they are. It is not ran by frienships or nepatism. We stand for all brothers and sisters under the badge who serve proudly. Our membership is strong and continues to grow weekly. It is funny they call the F.O.P. whiners lol. Many at the top where members in the past and help fight for this very contract. We all need to stay focused on our missions and the truth.
Recently the F.O.P. Lodge 111 gave three scholorships to well deserving young adults. They volunteer at many public events. They give dontaions at Christmas to many needy families in our community. Make donations to local high school sports programs. The list goes on. All local charities are aware of this fact.
If anyone is interested in finding out the "truth" about the F.O.P. kindly contact an actual member. It is no where near what is implied by some.
To all the parties involved God Bless and be safe. A special prayer to all the men and women still fighting for our liberties abroad.
Mr.Albero if you post this thank you and God Bless.
Please identify that $350 per hour "arbitrator"
Almost 6 dollars per minute for an arbitrator - no wonder Pollitt is raising taxes again!
Gary Bromwell wouldn't it have been easier to just tell Mike and David how you really feel!! I mean to their face that is. But no thats not how you operate is it dude. You are worthless and have never done anything but bad mouth people, spread gossip and ride someones coat tale. Grow a pair.
The way to check on the work skills of any police officer. Type their last name, first name into MD Judiciary Case search, select "Other" for the category, and select Wicomico County. This will tell you how many arrests an officer has made in the past 20 years.
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