Honesdale police saga continues

LINDA DROLLINGER
Posted 8/21/12

HONESDALE, PA — Fallout from publication of personnel information leaked from an October 10 Honesdale Borough Council executive session overshadowed the council’s October 17 meeting. A succession …

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Honesdale police saga continues

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HONESDALE, PA — Fallout from publication of personnel information leaked from an October 10 Honesdale Borough Council executive session overshadowed the council’s October 17 meeting. A succession of citizens alluded to an article published one week ago in a Honesdale newspaper, but the council made no mention of it or its allegation that Police Chief Rick Southerton had been asked to resign.

First to speak was Lieutenant Rob Lehman of the Honesdale police department, worried that the article had undermined public confidence in the borough police force. Speaking on behalf of fellow officers, Lehman said police lay their lives on the line each day, asking in return only the support and respect of the people for whom they do it. He also said the article contained accusations and innuendo damaging to a unit dependent on cohesion and mutual support for safety of officers and public alike.

Michele Minor Wolf, executive director of Victims’ Intervention Program, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse and human trafficking, praised the borough police department in general and Southerton in particular. Saying of her work association with Southerton that it’s been the best partnership her organization has enjoyed with a police chief in recent years, Wolf also contended that a shortage of officers resulting in elimination of round-the-clock borough policing would negatively impact the shelter her organization operates.

Susan Erb, coordinator of Warmth in the Night Shelter, an emergency shelter for the homeless, echoed Wolf’s comments and said her cold weather shelter probably will not open this year unless 24/7 policing is restored to the borough.

After praising Southerton’s work and work ethic, former council president James Brennan said he wanted to clarify his article quote, “I think he’s done a good job, but he’s made some enemies,” saying it referred not to current council members but to those Southerton has arrested in the line of duty.

Except for one oblique reference to increased manpower with the return of Sgt. Keith Colombo to the force, the council made no public comment on the arbitration finding behind a series of executive session meetings held since September 23. Asked for it after the meeting, President Mike Augello said, “By law, the council cannot comment on the finding, which is a matter of public record.”

The arbitration found that improper procedure was followed in the suspension and subsequent termination of Colombo. His reinstatement at full seniority with back pay was ordered. And Augello confirmed that Colombo will be reinstated. Of the alleged request for Southerton’s resignation, he said, “No action has been taken.”

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