Williford fired for 2nd time

FLORENCE - A former Florence police deputy chief who was fired and later demoted in June has been fired again, authorities said Thursday.

Police Chief Rick Singleton said he has informed veteran officer Pete Williford of his decision to recommend termination as a result of numerous harassment complaints filed against Williford.

The complaints were filed by department personnel, both women and men, Singleton said.

"I have taken disciplinary action based on new complaints," Singleton said when asked about the action Thursday morning.

Singleton did not elaborate on the complaints other than to say they were related to harassment issues.

City officials said the complaints were in violation of the city and department's rules and regulations.

Williford's attorney, Hank Sherrod, of Florence, said Thursday that the latest action was a little surprising, but that he will be appealing this latest termination to the Florence Civil Service Board.

"Basically, this is a repeat of sorts (of the prior termination attempt)," Sherrod said.

He said it appears, according to the complaint filed, that "they have dug up every little thing they could find negative" about Williford for many years.

Williford remains on administrative leave with pay, pending an appeal to the civil service board or his decision to drop the matter. He has an option of appealing the action up to circuit court, if he chooses.

Williford, 49, was fired May 24 after Singleton investigated a sexual harassment complaint filed against Williford by a female subordinate.

Members of the civil service board voted in June to reinstate Williford to the department, but demoted him from deputy chief to lieutenant.

Just days before Williford was to return to work, city council members voted June 19 to appeal the reinstatement to circuit court. As a result, Williford was placed back on administrative leave, pending the outcome of circuit court action.

Sherrod said Williford has exercised his option of having the circuit court hearing in front of a jury.

A date for that hearing has not been set.

Singleton said additional complaints were filed against Williford since June 19, forcing him to again take action.

Williford has been with the Florence Police Department for nearly 28 years.

"I'm doing what I think needs to be done at this point and time," Singleton said "If he elects to appeal, it will be up to the civil service board to determine what happens from there.

"This action and others I have had to take over the past couple of years have had to deal with personal conduct, not necessarily police conduct. We have a very professional police department and our employees are committed to this community, as I am.

"We have employees who have personal or professional issues that need to be addressed; we will address them."

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