Two Takes on Sheffield Police Chief Ricky Terry

Sometimes you have to wonder if the City of Sheffield is engaged in some type of clandestine competition in which they'll win a huge prize for alienating the most citizens. In recent months, the city has fined some citizens for excess vegetation on lots, while allowing others a free pass. Next the town outlawed smoking in all public buildings. Then the city council voted to fund a dubious huge infrastructure project for a private developer. Now the civil service board has overruled the town council on the hire for new police chief...against the wishes of most of the citizens. What gives?

An Irate Citizen - Take 1:

Did you see the Times Daily article about Ricky Terry finally being given the Chief of Police position?  Part of the initial hold up and ultimately him being turned down as Chief by the city council had to do with Ricky residing and not wanting to move to the City of Sheffield. Apparently, Mayor Sanford and Dewey King found a loophole that allowed Dewey King and the  civil service board to “promote” Ricky Terry to Chief of Police and he would not fall under the same rules as other department heads. How shady is this but Mayor Sanford & Dewey King found a way for them to get their guy in the position they wanted. The Mayor is quoted in the article as saying, “Those employees work for the Civil Service Board, not us.” This is an absolute slap in the face to all other city employees and goes to show how all these individuals think that the rules do not apply to them.  

No one has ever answered the question about Ricky Terry’s character. He was caught saying he lived at an address in Sheffield, so his child could transfer schools and start playing sports. This turned out to be a lie. Chief Terry was selected to attend the FBI National Academy but only lasted one week. He gave personal, family reasons for leaving but in talking to some people connected with the FBI, they said he refused and questioned some of the work that was assigned and was told to comply or leave. He left. 

I guess with the city doing the back door promotion, rather than being honest and transparent, no one will have to answer these questions. 

The citizens of Sheffield really need to demand answers from their elected officials as to why this position was just given to Ricky Terry and not earned. Mayor Sanford and Dewey King really need to explain their decisions. Have you ever wondered why there is always talk of Sheffield being crooked? Look at your leaders.  There are good people in Sheffield but with leadership like this, the city has no chance. Who is in control of this city?

An Irate Citizen - Take 2:

Remember those physical fitness requirements that the city added? Word around town is that the powers that be in our fair city wanted Terry specifically to have this position. There were a few employees of the Sheffield PD who had put in 20+ years and were going to apply for the position. However, these gentlemen are older and not in the best physical shape. Sanford and King (who is a joke. ZERO law enforcement experience) had to make sure neither of these guys could qualify for the job. Sheffield, in all depart, is like a 6 year old changing the rules of the game while he’s playing. This hire will NOT stop officers from leaving. Terry is Sanford’s boy. Period.