PENDLETON — By a 3-2 vote, the Pendleton Town council voted today to terminate Pendleton Police Chief Marc Farrer because of social media posts it determined “reflect and promote biases held by you that compromise your ability to carry out your duties … in a fair, impartial and nondescriminatory manner.”
Farrer is on paid administrative leave pending an appeals process.
With a crowd packing the council meeting room and adjacent town hall lobby — including a large contingent of Farrer supporters, some wearing “#ISTANDWITHMARC” shirts — several council members stressed the need to act in the best interest of the town before each member announced his or her vote.
“There’s been many statements and actions taken over the last few days,” council President Jessica Smith said near the start of the public meeting. “There’s been a question in the community about our public safety and whether everybody receives the same public safety treatment, across the board, here in this community.”
At the center of the controversy are several posts the council said were shared on Farrer’s Facebook page.
Images of the posts were included in a document prepared by the council, in its capacity as the town’s safety board, and signed Thursday.
One post was of a meme showing a man labeled “liberals” who is watering a sapling tree labeled “Islam.” A noose is around the man’s neck, and the other end of the rope is tied to the sapling.
Another post shows a picture of President Donald Trump with long blond hair with words printed across it: “The left has informed me that I can pick my gender. So today, I feel like being the first woman president. Sorry Hillary.”
Another meme shows two anonymous police officers laughing has printed on it: “Nike called and said they are being looted by blacklivesmatter. And I said, call the NFL for help.”
The council document, titled “Notice of charges, proposed discipline, and right to a hearing,” was addressed to Farrer.
It states “your conduct constitutes a ‘violation of rules,” ‘conduct unbecoming an officer,’ ‘neglect of duty’ and ‘conduct injurious to the public peace or welfare.'”
The council met in an executive session at 8 a.m. Thursday to discuss the matter. It started a public meeting at about 9:30 a.m.
Councilman Chad Wolfe, who ultimately voted to fire Farrer, said the decision the council faced was not easy but was necessary, and it came after a lot of discussion, and phone calls and emails from the public.
“We pride Pendleton on being an inclusive place for people to live and do business. We all have different stances on things. …That being said, our goal is to create an environment that is welcoming.
“I feel we fully vetted everything. A number of different exhibits that were shown to us, and we’ve had beyond a lengthy discussion.”
Councilman Chet Babb, who voted against firing Farrer, disputed whether the matter was “fully vetted.”
“We all make mistakes. Some of them are worse than others. I just think we need to look at this a lot longer and harder than what we just spent back there in the back room,” Babb said.
He said in Farrer’s 13 years as police chief, to his recollection, there’s never been any disciplinary action taken against him.
“I’ve got a different viewing on the whole thing. I’m looking at the whole picture, not just one instance.
Councilman Bob Jones, who also went on to vote “no,” said whatever people’s views are on the issue, the council must decide based on “what is the best interest of the town itself.
“We try to do the right thing for the community, that’s what we’re all here for.
“I think we’re probably all aware of the social media. I think … social media is probably a curse for all of us … the whole world can see whatever I put on social media.”
Smith and Councilwoman Jessica Bastin both voted “yes.”
“Social media is a curse and a blessing, all in one package,” Smith said. “You’ve got to be careful. Not just as a citizen, but when you hold a position in the community or as a department head, you are held to a higher standard and you are put under a microscope. So, we all have individual responsibilities, rights out there, but we also have to live with the consequences also.”
Some Farrer supporters in the crowd expressed surprise after hearing council members vote “yes” to fire Farrer.
After one vote one person said “Really?” and another person said “End of your political career.”
Farrer, who sat in the crowd, stood up afterward and addressed the room, where there were many PPD officers in uniform, friends and family members.
“You don’t really get to see this,” Farrer said, choking up. “I hope everybody gets to feel this love a some point in their life. I really appreciate it.”
A short time later, Farrer said he didn’t know if he’ll appeal it. He said he must talk to his legal counsel and explore his options.
Several people in the crowd expressed disagreement with the council move and support for Farrer.
Tim Hamilton, who’s known Farrer for 16 years, said he agreed with Babb that the council decision was too swift and severe for someone with a lengthy career in law enforcement with no previous disciplinary issues.
“This kind of stuff is eating away at real life,” he said. People should focus on improving the community, he said, “not posturing to an electronic world led by an electronic lynch mob.”
John Bond, a friend of 30 years, said “you can’t find a more honest, hardworking, forthright person than Marc. He’s a guy that cares more about other people than himself.”
Farrer’s sister, Krista Dowell, who drove from Frankfort, Kentucky, to attend the meeting, said her brother is good person.
“I’ve never seen my brother be derogatory toward anyone,” she said.
Farrer said he regrets making the posts because of the people they’ve hurt and the impact they’ve had.
“I’m not out to hurt anybody’s feelings,” he said, noting that a hack of his phone and people capturing screen shots of the posts and sharing them added to the problems.
According to town attorney Alex Intermill, Farrer has five days to submit a written appeal of the council decision.
If that happens, there will be a hearing in executive session, which the council tentatively set for 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 9.
The appeal would be made to the town council/safety board. Farrer will be able to have a lawyer present, call and cross-examine witnesses, and present documentary evidence and testimony.
Intermill said if the decision is upheld, Farrer could seek judicial review through Madison County Circuit Court.
In the meantime, Captain Randy Sidwell, a 16-year veteran of Pendleton Police Department, is now interim police chief. Sidwell previously served as chief at the Ingalls Police Department.
Check back for updates.
