This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
It is interesting that Murray Mayor Ted Eyre has fired the city's police chief ("Murray mayor fires police chief, says it's time for a change," Tribune, Feb. 22). Saying that it is time for a change makes no sense if the person who holds the position is making a positive difference.
Under Police Chief Peter Fondaco's administration, our police force was respected and the police officers were professional individuals who made an effort to work with the citizens of Murray. Fondaco always made himself available to speak with a citizen if that person had an issue with the department.
Eyre's rash and surprising move to replace Chief Fondaco, who has run the department with distinction and honesty, is less than responsible. It is true that the police chief serves at the pleasure of the mayor, but it is also wise to identify those qualities that make that city what it is.
Removing the chief, who has 35 years of law enforcement experience, just because Eyre thought a change was needed, demonstrates that Murray's new mayor does not have what it takes to work with the people who surround him.
Wade Marshall Miller
Murray