By Betsy Finklea
The termination of Latta Police Chief Crystal Moore is drawing national attention.
Several articles have been circulating in various media and Moore made an appearance on an MSNBC news program on Sunday afternoon.
In reports in other media, Moore, Latta’s first female police chief, has claimed that she feels that she was terminated because she has openly chosen an alternative lifestyle.
The Herald requested a statement from Moore, and she had this to say in a written statement, “I served the people of Latta for over twenty years as a law enforcement officer with an exemplary service record. It was my dream job. Last week, the mayor destroyed that dream. I do not understand why I was fired and am still in shock. I have been overwhelmed by the support I’ve received from around the country and the world, but I am most grateful for the support shown to me by the people of Latta. I think their actions have shown the world that our community is a tolerant and loving one. I just want to get back to work serving them as soon as possible.”
A website has been set up at this address, http://www.standwithchiefmoore.org/, where people who wish to donate money to help Moore with her living expenses and legal fees can go to contribute.
Bullard told The Herald that he would not comment on Moore’s termination due to the fact that it was a personnel issue, but stated that it involved more than one thing and more than one incident. Bullard said if Moore will sign a release that he can go in terms of her dismissal, he will discuss the issues and said if Moore has nothing to hide he feels that she will agree to this. Bullard added that no member of the Latta Town Council has come to him personally and asked him why he dismissed her. He said he gave the council the option at the April 17th meeting to go into executive session to discuss the matter but could not get a motion. Bullard said he tried to get the council to set a special meeting, but could get no motion for that either.