Williford to return to force as lieutenant

FLORENCE -- The city civil service board has voted to return Pete Williford to employment with the police department but as a lieutenant, not his formerly held position of deputy chief.

Florence Police Chief Rick Singleton terminated Williford on May 24 after a female subordinate accused Williford of sexual harassment.

The 49-year-old Williford appealed the decision to the civil service board and that appeal hearing took place Wednesday.

Florence Civil Service Board Chairwoman Frances Nunnelly said the board decided to reinstate former Florence Deputy Chief Pete Williford based on testimony they heard at his appeal hearing on June 13.

Florence attorney Hank Sherrod, who represented Williford at the appeal hearing, said the civil service board's decision was not the one he and his client had been hoping for.

"But we appreciate the board's decision, which will allow Mr. Williford to support his family and which avoids the financial and personal devastation that would have resulted had the (termination) been upheld,'' Sherrod said in a prepared statement. "We are very thankful that officers like Mr. Williford have an independent body, not subject to any political or other pressure, that has the power to review the fairness of employment termination decisions and correct any injustice.''

He said Williford is looking forward to returning to work and "holds no hard feelings about what happened.''

"Mr. Williford is thankful for all the prayers and support he has received,'' Sherrod continued in the statement. "Some have encouraged him to appeal the decision, but Mr. Williford, after a very difficult month in which his and his family's future was in doubt, is happy to put this matter to rest.''

Singleton said Williford is expected to be back at work June 25. He said Williford is on annual leave, which he had already scheduled to take.

"It hasn't been determined what exactly he will be doing when he comes back, but he is expected to be assisting me with some technical aspects of the department,'' Singleton said. "I respect the board's decision, and we want to put this behind us and move forward.''

TimesDaily Senior Staff Writer Tom Smith can be reached at 740-5757 or tom.smith@timesdaily.com.