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October 22, 2009

Eufaula police chief suspended

City Council orders suspension without pay and plan of improvement for top lawman

By Donna Hales

A termination hearing for suspended Eufaula Police Chief Don Murray resulted in suspension and discipline.

The Eufaula City Council voted in open session following an executive session, which began at 5 p.m. and ended at 11 p.m. Wednesday.

That vote was to suspend Murray for 30 days without pay. Mayor Dean Smith had recommended Murray be terminated after placing him on administrative leave with pay on Sept. 3.

Neither Smith nor Murray would comment about the outcome of the hearing.

The council motion Wednesday night said it found sufficient grounds existed to discipline Murray for the good of the service.

Councilors voted the one-month suspension to be without base pay but with benefits to be continued.

The motion included that following the suspension, Murray is to be placed on a plan of improvement to be developed by the mayor and Councilors David Johnson and Greg Anderson.

Johnson made the motion, which was seconded by Councilor Marshall Pruitt. Seven of the eight councilors voted for the motion. Councilor Clarence Pierce abstained.

Reach Donna Hales at 918-684-2923 or Click Here to Send Email

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