New LaFayette police and fire chiefs appointed

LaFayette City Manager Frank Etheridge has chosen a new police and fire chief to replace fired public safety director Tommy Freeman.

Interim Police Chief Bengie Clift was appointed police chief and Capt. Robert Busby Jr. was appointed fire chief.

The city council unanimously approved the decision to split the two departments and agreed with the city manager to begin looking for internal candidates in its June 11 meeting.

A week later the decision was made. Both candidates have 14-plus years of experience with the public safety department and would create a smooth transition for the department, Etheridge said.

Freeman was fired in May after a flurry of allegations of mistreating employees, public tirades and skirting his responsibilities. After Etheridge gave Freeman an ultimatum, the chief was fired when he tried to punish employees for speaking out.

Upcoming Events