HALLSVILLE (KYTX) New information on the Hallsville police controversy. Tuesday night the Hallsville city council voted 3 to 2 to reinstate the officers fired three weeks ago.
But Wednesday those same officers are still waiting to get back on the job.
More than 100 supporters came to Tuesday night's city council meeting. With a majority vote they got what they were asking for. "Just happy you know that's what we were hoping for but of course we knew it could go either way," says supporter Carolyn Franco. "Right there at the last we were kind of holding our breath waiting for that last swing vote that brought it over. "
Chief Greg Scott, Sergeant Mack Fuller, and officer T.C. Livingston were reinstated but as of Wednesday, none of them were back on duty. They've been waiting to take their oath. But the waiting hasn't dampened the celebration. "They're happy. They're on cloud nine. They have their jobs back now. They're relieved that now they can take care of their families," says Carolyn after talking with the officers.
"I'm proud for them. I think what has happened is right," says Bob Ponder.
While supporters of the reinstated officers are celebrating their victory Wednesday they are still demanding to know why Mayor Medrano fired the officers in the first place.
"It was more a personal vendetta against them that got them out of here. She picked between Christmas and New Years when most the city council weren't in town to do it. She had her reasons why she did it, when she did it, and how," says Carolyn.
"She's the one that needs some talking to. She's the one needing the little check up from everybody. Everybody needs to send her a petition saying that wasn't right," says Sherrie Ponder.
Mayor Medrano said the three were let go for failing to meet job performance standards. But she didn't offer any additional explanation Tuesday night. Wednesday she would not tell us when the reinstated officers will be back on duty.
Mayor Medrano had already hired Lukas Reynolds to be the new chief. He in turn hired three new officers. Mayor Medrano would not comment to CBS 19 about what happens now and to all those newly hired.
employees.
Our calls to Lukas Reynolds and city council members have not yet been returned.
EAST TEXAS (KYTX) -- Hallsville police have been reinstated with back pay, according to Carolyn Franco, the Hallsville resident who started the petition to have them reinstated.
Hallsville City Council voted to have them reinstated with a 3-2 vote.
HALLSVILLE (KYTX) -- All but one Hallsville police officer has been fired including the police chief. A new police chief has already started.
Chief Lukas Reynolds says his first day on the job began here in Hallsville as two other officers and chief Greg Scott left the building.
In a statement released late Wednesday Mayor Jerri Medrano says the firings of chief Greg Scot, Sergeant Mack Fuller, and Officer T.C. Livingston were the result of routine personnel evaluations and in the best interest of the citizens of Hallsville.
People in Hallsville were surprised by the news. "I couldn't believe it. The whole department was gone at one time. I don't know what to think. It's just surprising," says Randy Reel who owns the Hallsville Barber Shop.
The Harrison County Sheriff's Department is assisting Hallsville P. D. during the transition. The fired officers say they have hired an attorney.
