Williford appeals termination

FLORENCE - Former Florence police Deputy Chief Pete Williford has appealed his second termination from the police department.

Florence attorney Hank Sherrod, who is representing Williford, said Friday the appeal has been filed and he and his client are awaiting a hearing date to be scheduled.

The appeal was made to the Lauderdale County Circuit Court, which is part of the appeal process available to Florence workers who are covered by the Civil Service Board.

Williford wants his case to be heard by jurors rather than a judge, his attorney said.

On Aug. 17, the Florence Civil Service Board upheld Williford's termination by a 5-0 vote, city officials said.

Williford had worked for the department for nearly 28 years.

In July, Williford was terminated for the second time within a three-month period.

Police Chief Rick Singleton said at the time that his decision to recommend Williford's termination was a result of numerous harassment complaints filed against him.

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

City officials said the complaints involved violations of the city and department's rules and regulations.

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

The Civil Service Board later voted to reinstate him, but demoted him 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.

City officials said that case was dropped because of the new allegations, which led to a second termination.

Sherrod said the city will have to "justify the termination before a jury."

He said the appeals hearing will allow him the opportunity to present evidence on behalf of his client.

The police department has two deputy chiefs. Singleton said the process of filling the vacant deputy chief's position has started and he hopes the job will be filled within the next few weeks.

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