We are pleased that Seneca Police Chief Stanley Sheriff has put his legal problems behind him and is seemingly on the road to medical recovery.
This has been a tumultuous time for the veteran officer and his family. It is good that his name has been cleared to the extent that Georgia officials dropped the charges he faced. It is most certainly a relief to him, and it should be to Seneca city officials as well.
As long as the chief’s legal status was undecided there was a cloud over his leave from active duty. Despite the fact that the leave was medical in nature, ongoing criminal charges made it difficult to create separation between the two issues.
Clearly irritable when the topic was raised, city officials were quick to dismiss the issue as a “personnel matter” that could not be discussed. That was legitimate. However, given the fact that the chief stopped talking as well — after a highly public initial defense — the matter took on a veil of secrecy that begged questions about whether the public good was not being usurped by the best interests of a loyal and dedicated city employee.
That cloud has now been lifted. Dismissal of the criminal charges means the city is left to deal solely with the chief’s medical leave.
It is important to note that the money the chief has been paid has been money he has earned. By policy, the city provides for paid medical leave. Federal laws also obligate the city to provide a certain number of weeks during which the employee’s job is guaranteed.
While the chief continues to rightfully collect earned sick leave benefits, the city is no longer obligated to keep his job open.
That said, the city needs to act.
Since April 2, Major John Covington has done a superlative job of leading the police department. This is not a question of his leadership or the performance of the department under difficult circumstances. It is, rather, a question of putting this matter to rest and that falls to the city’s administration and elected council. Their obligation is to resolve difficult situations.
Chief Sheriff has been exonerated, in part, we are told, because of the medical evidence made available to judicial officials. If that information was good enough to clear the chief’s name in a criminal matter, then it should be good enough for the city to make a decision on whether he should come back to work.
It’s time to move on and put this matter to rest from the public’s point of view.
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August 20, 2008
1:31 p.m.Report inappropriate content
This is a good and fair editorial on this matter.
The world is full of conspiracy theories. However, corruption and "good ole boys" covering for each other definitely exists. This can cross state lines as well. With the help of notoriously questionable representation, the chief of police of our city has been excused by Ga. law.
Personally, I think the story just doesn't ring true and seems a bit too convenient. I've never heard of such behavior from any other stroke victim.
Did his memory correct itself after the fact? Is this the true nature of his character(to shoplift), if he lost mental control? If it happens again(and it could)do the citizens of Seneca want this man making decisions and carrying a gun?
If true, this is a huge liability to the city. What if he shoots somebody with that sub-conscious criminal nature of his? Is that what we want, pay for and deserve?
The public will never know for sure whether this whole story and these medical reasons are legitimate or not for sure.
Let's say they are. Let's move on to the next issue.
These medical tests allegedly showed that his brain was affected. Ok, I wish him the best. In fact I know him, and went to school with him. But people can change and make mistakes. I do. I know what it's like for a family member to have a stroke, and have been around it. I do not mean to down-grade the seriousness of that health issue in itself.
There is a moral and ethical issue here as well. He is supposed to be a leader and an example to children and others. Whether he is guilty or not, this will be whispered behind his and his family's backs from now on around here. In the back of most people's minds, they will always wonder and have doubts.
If he's guilty he suffers. His conscience will prevail and torment him.
If he's innocent, he has to live with the majority public's perception and shame.
He can't win.
As far as this city goes:the logical decision based on his legal defense's own proof itself and the legal liability and moral ramifications, is to NOT have him continue in his former position. This is best for Seneca.
This is tragic for him and the city. I care because I'm proud of my hometown, and despise corruption and unfairness(if this is the case here). If it is corruption, you know who you are. We're all really impressed with your perceived power trips. Do what's right from now on, ok?
This will pass, but won't be forgotten. Life will go on here in Seneca.
August 20, 2008
3:49 p.m.Report inappropriate content
How can you be exonerated of a crime when you were caught red-handed with the evidence. You are still guilty even with medical reasons. It is nothing short of "good ole boy politics" and in my opinion is more embarrassing to Seneca than if he had simply pleaded guilty. The next time anyone gets caught speeding in town they should say they were suffering from anxiety or whatever some doctor will diagnose. He is guilty and if he was half the man some claim he is he would resign and admit his guilt. Stop hiding behind your badge and face the music that you played for so many others in your career. Stanley be a man!!
August 20, 2008
4:19 p.m.Report inappropriate content
He already shot somebody when he was a deputy...remember? He fell down supposedly "backing" away from a woman burglar in Mtn Rest when there were already many deputies with guns drawn as she came toward them instead of stopping...she wasn't armed as I remember reading,etc...Anyway, he got paid desk duty then, but didn't have a stroke or anything. Just slipped backing up and let his gun go off...went right back to being a deputy and just moved on up from there. I like Stanley, but it has always seemed to me that he is not "police officer" material...sorry. So yes...Seneca needs to move on with someone else I think.
August 20, 2008
4:53 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Cowboy, give me one reason why you keep brining this up? I do remember when he shot someone in Mtn Rest if im not wrong he was cleared of all and later he was cleared civilly. I know my friend is a good Christian man and him and his family don’t deserve this. I’m sure Mr. sheriff has to think about taking someone’s life for the rest of his life and that is enough without you brining it up. I wish you would lose the grudge and drop the act. Or can you grow up and stop hiding ?
Why don’t all of you do like the article says and put the situation to rest.
Here’s something to live by that seems to be lost today.
If you can’t say it to someone’s face, don’t say it at all.