OOLITIC – A request from Oolitic Town Marshal James Harrington to hire a new officer to the department, following the departure of one of the town’s deputy marshals was tabled by the Oolitic Town Council on Monday to allow members more time to discuss the matter.
Harrington requested to hire former Mitchell Assistant Chief of Police and current Chief Investigator for the Lawrence County Prosecutor’s Office Ryan Duckett to return his department to full staffing, with himself as the marshal and three part-time marshals.
Harrington said that because of Duckett’s experience, he would be able to become an asset to the department almost immediately, being able to forgo some of the acclamation process that another hire could need.
The decision was tabled by the council after Vice President Brenda Corey requested the council be given more time to discuss the matter.
“I’m not in favor of voting on Ryan tonight because I’d like further discussion with the board,” Corey said. “I have some serious concerns,” she added.
The matter will come before the board again at a future meeting for further discussion following the council’s decision to table it on Monday.
