Winder Police Chief Stanley Rodgers is leaving the department.
Before the city administration made an official announcement, sources close to the department told the Barrow Journal on Thursday afternoon that the chief's last day would be Friday, Jan. 21.
The information was confirmed near the close of business Thursday afternoon, when in response to an open-records request, city clerk Sabrina Wall provided a copy of the chief's Jan. 19 letter telling Mayor Chip Thompson that he was retiring and would leave in two days.
The letter does not provide a reason for the chief's sudden retirement. However, sources said the city's new administrator, Donald Toms, had been critical of the chief's management of the police department.
A source said the final straw reportedly was the decision to actively explore the consolidation of the city's and county's emergency communications operations – something that the source said Rodgers opposes.
However, on Friday morning, Toms said in an e-mail that Rodgers has only "minor" concerns about the possible consolidation of county 911 and city dispatch operations.
"Chief Rodgers did mention some minor concerns, many due to the dispatchers handling some clerical duties for the PD; however, he supported the consolidation based on providing better service to the
citizens of Winder," Toms wrote.
In a press release Friday morning, Toms stated that Rodgers had been preparing for retirement for several months and also had groomed Deputy Chief Dennis Dorsey to take his place.
"Chief Stanley has done an excellent job in preparing Dennis Dorsey to take over the Police Department," the press release states.
The announcement states that Rodgers would continue to assist the department "as needed in a civilian role over the next few months."
Also in his resignation letter, Rodgers endorsed Dorsey's possible appointment as his successor.
"He is an outstanding young man with strong family values, well trained, familiar with the community, its issues, and dedicated to the future of the City," Rodgers wrote.
On Dec. 16, Mayor Chip Thompson announced that Dorsey had been named deputy chief. Friday's press release states that the promotion was effective Dec. 20.
A source said Dorsey would be interim chief for six months until a permanent chief is put in place. He has worked for the department for 14 years.
Rodgers informed the department's command team of his retirement decision on Wednesday and by Thursday had cleaned out his office, a source said.
Charlie
We as residents had to do a lot of the work, but it has paid off and as your next City Councilman for Ward 2, I will help all subdivisions and neighborhoods create neighborhood watch programs and reduce crime to near or at zero percent.
Also, I have fought for open government and will continue to do so and as councilman, it will ensure that I can have open government.
--You just appear to have a PERSONAL Beef with the City. Could Jud solve your vandalism? -the city IS within the County....
I pay taxes to support and fund the WPD. It is not unreasonable to expect something in return when my home becomes under siege. Only a complete redneck moron would think different.
Or maybe you live outside the city limits. Then the taxes you pay DON'T go to the city of Winder.
--To Your defense, You Pay Fees and other Taxes support the City of Winder, Winder sells Water and Gas which FORTUNATELY has helped us Not have a direct separate City Tax on top of other taxes, that being said The City Police (or any agency) cannot be at you specific house 24/7 so I am really sorry to hear that you are "Under Siege", why are You being Targeted?
WT:"Jud Smith was elected because more Barrow County registered voters cast their ballot for him you idiot."
-Well this is true, but Winder Police Sgt Jud Smith was the better or the 2 candidates, MAYBE, he was from here and the other not a native, BUT MAINLY he had a POLITICAL MACHINE, a very well put together CAMPAIGN that with More SUPPORT than his opponent. He was an "out-sider" within the Sheriff's Dept and made many promises, BUT the County Sheriff is not part of this story, Winder Police is not going anywhere and if it did, it would most likely take some power away from the sheriff by way of a separate County Police Dept (which I would VOTE AGAINST).
I am curious as to what the responding officers failed to do about your Vandalism or what you Expected that was not delivered? What can any Department do in that situation? Do you know the vandals? I would be angry too, but it Appears to be missplaced anger....
Winder-Barrow insider. Also, at the last minute, he had to combat a vicious smear campaign which painted him as an un-American anti-military creep.
No matter what your job there is always going to be someone who knows what they think you did or dont do! If he did illegal stuff he would have not been on the job!
As far as Jud! I would vote for a face I know and trust b4 the other guys! Say what you want to but he is our sheriff & you should respect that! When it's time to vote again than you make your choice & accept who wins!
There are rumors that Barrow is all about the good ol boy system! If that's the case & you want to be in office your self get off you a$$ & get to know ppl your self & ppl will know your face & you can be part of the "who you know" system!
The city does have an officer that likes to write tickets! I think that is also part of his job! :)
One Further Point: I took the time to actually go meet him myself, anD so Far I feel comfortable with him Acting as Chief with what I know at this time. Have you?