"Republican" Sheriff Mike Chapman, took the cowardly action of refusing to swear in several career deputies earlier this month. Chapman's actions effectively terminated these employees without due process, and without even having a face to face conversation - he designated other employees to share the news with them. Many of these deputies were well respected in the law enforcement community. Chapman, normally eager to get some camera time was suddenly unavailable for comment to the media. Instead he delegated the task to a PIO. The actions of a true coward.

Why did Chapman refuse to follow HR policies to terminate employees instead of unjustly terminating them during the holidays? (Leaving deputies stressed and hunting for a job instead of celebrating Christmas with their families.) He should answer to the public for his actions and stop hiding behind a PIO. After all, it's his actions that are going to exacerbate the staffing problems in the short term, and it will cost the taxpayers a lot of money in the long term. It takes about a year and a half and a lot of money to recruit, vet, and train new deputies to work independently in the field. So, the taxpayers want to know: why? Why did you fire experienced and talented deputies without due process?

This issue will not go away easily.