The Associated Press
ABERDEEN, South Dakota (AP) - Aberdeen City Commission members could get an earful at their Monday meeting as wives of some of the city’s police officers upset with recent firings in the department want to talk with commissioners.
Their gripes include low morale and a rotating schedule for officers being proposed by the new police chief, Don Lanpher Jr.
One wife says a large group of spouses and children will be on hand. “We want the commission to know that all the stress is affecting us as families and not just our husbands,” said the spouse, who did not want to be identified.
The department’s leaders have been criticized the last few months for the firings of two men. Another officer quit abruptly, and four others have quit since former Chief Ken Schwab was fired early this year because of “philosophical differences.”
The seven no longer with the department represent nearly 20 percent of the force.
Lanpher said he was not aware of the spouses’ concerns and wouldn’t comment.
Mayor Mike Levsen said he stands by Lanpher. “The chief’s running the department and we support him.”
City Commission member Todd Forkel said he’s willing to hear what the police wives have to say. “At the same time, I am very supportive of Chief Lanpher and the things he’s implemented.”
Commissioners Pat Klabo and Jacki Omland said they would not comment until after Monday’s meeting. “I can’t comment until I hear their comments, because I have no idea what they’re going to say,” Omland said.
City Commissioner Bill McQuillen, who oversees the police department, could not be reached for comment.