#MayorJohnDavies

[ledenews]

A Tale of Two Responses

Martins Ferry Mayor John Davies and Police Chief John McFarland took quick action today. They removed a 16-year city police officer of duty. They didn't do so lightly. The two held a news conference on the steps outside the city building late Wednesday afternoon. It was in response to a social media posting of Officer Tim Starkey that was a disparaging meme of the Black Lives Matter movement. In the posting, a dog is pictured in the process of defecating on the ground. The phrase “hold on, I got Black Lives Matter Movement Right Now,” is depicted on the picture. “We in the administration deem it inappropriate and feel we have taken proper steps to resolve the issue,” Davies said. “That being said, this administration will not, in any way shape or form, allow this type of posting or speaking or product to be put out by the administration, or city officials.” Davies then turned the microphone over to McFarland. McFarland detailed how he learned of the posting late Tuesday night. He spoke with Davies and city law director Paul Stecker about the incident Tuesday and again Wednesday after gathering additional information. The three came together with the decision to move forward with the termination. “These posts and activities will not be tolerated,” McFarland said. “There is no room in our city or department for that and hopefully we don’t have any more dealings with it.” The #BlackLivesMatter #martinsferry #MayorJohnDavies #MayorThalman #StClairsville Read the full article