The Associated Press
Norway, Maine (AP) -- Norway Police Chief Tim Richards has become the town’s fourth chief in a row to be fired or resign from the police department.
The board of selectmen unanimously decided Thursday to uphold Richards’ firing after a former officer he had been dating asked the courts to protect her from abuse that followed their breakup.
Richards’ predecessor Alan Afflerbach resigned as chief while on leave and under investigation by outside officials.
Before him, Cathleen Manchester was let go after an extended medical leave that resulted in two lawsuits against the town. She replaced James DeNormandie, who was fired in 1990 after he admitted using cocaine.
“The numbers are unique,” said Brian MacMaster, long-serving chief of investigations at the Maine Attorney General’s Office.
Town Manager David Holt blames the four departures on a streak of bad luck. He said he sees no common thread causing the last four chiefs to leave.
“I’m not sure what more we could have done,” said Holt, town manager for the past 15 years.
He said personal flaws like drug use, ego and harassment habits that could not be detected during the hiring process led to the chiefs’ downfalls. Afflerbach, who left law enforcement and moved to Florida, said he has no explanation for the trend.
“It’s just one of them things, working in a small town,” he said. “I’m glad I left and got out of police work.” He declined to say how he now makes a living. Holt said the department’s image and its many capable officers have suffered undeservedly.
“When we become aware of any issues, we deal with it. We discipline. We have and will do it,” he said.
Even with the benefit of hindsight, Holt said, it could happen again.
“Can I guarantee will things be perfect in the future?” he asked. “No, of course not.”
Holt said he plans to design a new hiring process for the next police chief search, which he expects to take to the Board of Selectmen at its next meeting.
Meanwhile, police Sgt. Robert Federico is serving as acting police chief.