SHEFFIELD — Police Chief Greg Ray’s appeal hearing concerning his termination has been scheduled for Jan. 17, officials said Friday.

Ray’s attorney, Tony Hughes of Florence, said he worked with the Sheffield Civil Service Board to set the hearing date. He said the hearing will be at 9 a.m. in the municipal courtroom on the second floor of City Hall.

The hearing had originally been scheduled for Dec. 13, but was postponed at Hughes’ request.

Ray, 54, was terminated Oct. 26 after being given a choice of resigning or facing termination, according to Sheffield Mayor Ian Sanford.

Ray is on leave with pay, pending the appeal to the Civil Service Board.

Sanford said Ray is accused of failing to address issues the council brought up to him about a year ago.

Hughes filed an appeal with the Sheffield Civil Service Board on Oct. 29.

City prosecutor Ben Gardner, Jr. said the hearing will be similar to a trial, but is not a judicial trial.

“I will present the city’s case and we will call witnesses, present evidence and documents,” Gardner said.

He said Ray’s attorney will have a chance to put on evidence in his defense.

“Questions can be asked by either side of the witnesses and the members of the Civil Service Board will have a chance to ask questions if they see fit,” Gardner said.

Hughes said this is an opportunity to present Ray’s case before the board. He said plans are for the hearing to be open to the public.

Gardner said after hearing all of the evidence the board will make its decision in writing. He said the decision can be appealed to circuit court.

Ray has worked in the department since 1992 and served as chief since the retirement of Doug Aycock in 2007.

Sanford appointed Sheffield Fire Chief Dewey King as interim police chief.

Tom Smith can be reached at 256-740-5757 or tom.smith@TimesDaily.com.