THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, November 4, 1995 TAG: 9511040310
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY KAREN JOLLY DAVIS, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CAPE CHARLES LENGTH: Short : 42 lines
The Town Council fired Police Chief Bill Lewis on Friday because of its ``lack of confidence'' in the head of the town's small force, according to Mayor Alice Brown.
``He said, `Either back me or get rid of me,' '' said Brown, who is also the town's police commissioner. ``Council is not going to back him.''
The unanimous vote came a week after council members asked Lewis for his resignation. But Lewis refused to quit.
``If I had resigned it would have looked like I did something wrong,'' Lewis said Friday.
Lewis' dismissal is the latest in a string of upheavals in Cape Charles.
Town Manager Dick Barton is retiring. The council called for a special audit of town finances, then reversed the vote. And state police are investigating payroll records.
Lewis said he resents any implication by town officials that he has ``deep dealings and corrupt actions.''
``I don't have anything to do with the finances of Cape Charles,'' Lewis said.
``I'm here as a law enforcement officer. I'm not a politician. And this is politics, clean and simple.''
Earlier in the week, Lewis wrote a letter to the council, saying he was ready to turn in the firearms, uniforms, laptop computer and records in his possession. After the vote Friday, council agreed to have a representative present when Lewis returns the town's property.
There was some discussion of appointing an interim police chief, to lead a department that fluctuates from two to four members, but Brown said she would rather manage the department until a new chief is hired.
``I'll serve in that capacity right now,'' said Brown.
``I've done it and I think I can still do it.'' by CNB