Lexington, Ala. – Town officials are moving forward with the effort to remove Police Chief Augie Hendershot from his post. Mayor Russell Haddock told the Times Daily that the town will restart the termination process after the chief did not provide a resignation letter as previously expected.
Mayor clarifies resignation timeline
Mayor Haddock said he never received a formal resignation from Chief Hendershot. The chief had told the town council he would submit the letter by Wednesday evening, but that deadline passed without any paperwork.
Legal dispute adds complexity
Complicating the situation, Chief Hendershot is currently suing the town of Lexington over a workers’ compensation dispute. The lawsuit has heightened tensions between the police department and municipal leadership, prompting town officials to ensure the termination process follows proper legal procedures.
New hearing scheduled
A new termination hearing has been scheduled for Monday, giving both the town and the chief an opportunity to present their arguments before a final decision is made. The hearing will be open to the public, allowing residents to stay informed about the outcome.
Impact on public safety
Town leaders emphasized that the decision to pursue termination is rooted in the need for stable and effective police leadership. Maintaining public safety is a top priority for Lexington, and officials said they will continue to support the department while the process unfolds.
Community response
Local residents have expressed mixed reactions. Some community members appreciate the town’s commitment to accountability, while others are concerned about potential disruptions to law‑enforcement operations. The town council has pledged to keep the public updated and to prioritize the safety of Lexington’s neighborhoods throughout the proceedings.
Mayor Haddock reiterated that the town will follow all statutory requirements and ensure a fair process for all parties involved. He also noted that the town remains focused on delivering essential services and upholding the rule of law.
Original reporting: WAFF 48 Huntsville (news) — read the source article.
