Southport Mayor Explains Firing of Police Chief Thomas Vaughn
Source:/ WISH-TV
SOUTHPORT, IND — During a press conference on Wednesday, the mayor explained why he fired Police Chief Thomas Vaughn. Vaughn says he learned about his firing from an email sent by Mayor Jim Cooney on Monday night.
Cooney cited state law as one reason for the firing. He also claimed that Vaughn was trying to change the department’s direction by hiring reserve officers without the mayor’s knowledge, violating a city ordinance 2014.
“Indiana State law is unambiguous on the mayor’s authority to remove a chief,” Cooney said.
“There are two basic possible systems to provide for the hiring, promotion, and discipline of police officers in cities.”
Cooney explained that since the city didn’t set up a merit system, which is one way to structure a police department, the police department falls under the city’s public works department, which the mayor manages.
“The safety board has exclusive control over all matters and property relating to the police department,” says Cooney.
Cooney says his actions are legal and denies any power struggle with Vaughn. He acknowledged Vaughn’s efforts in building the police force during his 11 years as chief.
However, he added that their relationship had been strained for the past month, which led him to decide to go in a different direction.
“The authority to remove the chief lies with the mayor, not the board,” he added. “However, The Mayor cannot remove the chief from the department but only from the position of chief.”
Cooney said Officer Vaughn was a reserve patrol officer when he was appointed and has returned to that position.
“I am doing this for public service; this is not a power grab,” he says.
Cooney has appointed Nate Smith, deputy chief, as the city’s interim police chief.
