Story - The Meade County Messenger


Vol. 115, No. 01	January 2, 2008

Ordinance officer’s nonresponse means he’s out of a job

By LARRY SEE JR.
Messenger Staff

County ordinance enforcement officer Hank Schaffner is on his way out.

Following a nonresponse to a letter sent Dec. 21 by Judge Executive Harry Craycroft, officials took the next step in the drama – relieving Schaffner of his duties.

The second step, according to Craycroft, was a certified letter, expected to be sent Jan. 2 by Craycroft, informing Schaffner his services are no longer needed.

The first letter, sent Dec. 21, reportedly gave Schaffner a chance to continue in his present position, but he had to discontinue carrying a weapon.

He was given until 10 a.m. Dec. 28, to respond, according to Craycroft. As of 10:15 a.m., a response was not forthcoming.

“He chose to violate the Fiscal Court directive, so we chose to terminate him,” Craycroft said.

County officials also decided to allow the new officer to enter private property and, in the process of hiring a new person, agreed to have county Planning and Zoning Administrator Barbara Campbell and commission members research and interview prospective candidates, with a recommendation expected for the Court’s February meeting.

The issue was put to rest after a split Fiscal Court at their year-end meeting Dec. 18, decided on a 4-3 vote to terminate Schaffner if he continued to carry a weapon. while on duty. Schaffner, a retired law enforcement officer, is certified to carry a weapon.

Casting dissenting votes were magistrates Herbie Chism, Mark Hubbard and Tony Staples. In support were Steve Wardrip, Randall Hardesty, Tom Goddard and Craycroft.

Campbell said Schaffner has been on a doctor-requested sick leave until after the first of the year.

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