The Rossville Police Department has fired one of its own officers after he shared a post on social media and added a racially insensitive comment.
On June 15, part-time officer Robert "Skipper" Dunn shared a post that had the mugshots of five black suspects in a Georgia home invasion. In his post, Dunn included the caption, "I think a hanging is in order."
The post on Dunn's personal Facebook page has since been deleted.
Detective Dave Scroggins with the Rossville Police Department said the department conducted its own review and decided that Dunn should no longer work for the department.
"It is important that everyone understand officer Dunn certainly enjoys the First Amendment right to post his opinions," Scroggins said in a statement Thursday. "However, when those posts or opinions detract from his ability to effectively serve the community it is in the best interest of the community that he no longer be assigned those duties."
Scroggins said Dunn has been with the department for a couple of years. Before working with the Rossville police, Dunn worked with the LaFayette Police Department before retiring.
The Rossville Police Department has 12 full-time officers and Dunn is one of about four part-time officers.
Contact Patrick Filbin at pfilbin@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6476. Follow him on Twitter @PatrickFilbin.