Racism charged in Pine Hill
By Arthur McLean Editor

Accusations of racism were lobbed at Pine Hill Mayor Harry Mason and Police Chief John Brown Monday night at Pine Hill's city council meeting over the firing of a black police officer.

Ashford Packer, an officer recently hired by the police department and serving out his initial probationary period was fired by Mayor Mason after an incident where Packer totaled police cruiser while chasing a 4-wheeler around an apartment complex off-road.

Packer was later given the option to resign his post.

Council member Donnie Calhoun questioned the motives behind the firing and the procedures used. "I want to find out why he resigned," he said.

Calhoun asked Brown if there were complaints against Packer. When Brown said there had been, Calhoun wanted to know why those complaints had not been passed to council.

Calhoun then wanted to know why Packer wasn't given a hearing upon his appeal of his firing. Brown and Mason both said Packer wasn't given a hearing because he was still serving out his probationary period and a hearing wasn't necessary.

"I don't believe a man can be fired without hearing his whole situation," Calhoun said.

Packer said he believed the firing was the final act of a series of events designed to get him out of the force. "Hundreds of officers wreck their vehicles and never get fired," he said. "And I've never been counseled on these complaints. I've asked to meet with the people complaining about me and I haven't been allowed to do that."

Mason said he made his decision to fire Packer after talking to the town's insurers. "They couldn't believe we had an officer that would chase a 4-wheeler around an apartment complex on a Saturday," Mason said.

Virginia Abrams said she spoke to people living in the complex and that they were upset with Packer's actions, but that numerous others have come to Packer's defense praising him during his short term of service.

"He seems to be a good officer who made a mistake, anyone can make a mistake," she said.

Calhoun motioned to reinstate Packer and Abrams seconded.

Mason said he was afraid the town's insurers would look unfavorably on that action and possibly refuse to cover Packer.

"That's just not true," Packer replied.

Roberta Jordan said she wanted something in writing from the insurance company stating what would happen if Packer was reinstated to his position before she could vote on the matter.

Abrams encouraged Calhoun to rescind his motion until the council could hear from the insurance company. A called meeting to hear the results and vote was set for Tuesday, July 17.

"I will be looking for the next officer hired be black," Calhoun said. "I'll come right out, I think this is racial."

That remark sparked a charged exchange between Calhoun and Mason arguing over racism in the hiring practices the police department.

"I don't care what the color of the person we hire is," Mason said.

"That's because you already know it's going to be a white," Calhoun replied.

In other business, the town voted to accept a Delta Regional Authority Grant to replace a section of sewer line that runs near Haddox Street. The council also accepted a bid for the surplus truck of $517.50.

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