Bethel Springs Without Police Again After Waiver Denied
BETHEL SPRINGS, Tenn-A McNairy County town is without a police department after the last two officers were fired off the force, because the state determined they were not qualified. “The P.O.S.T. Commission called me and said that the officer we had was not certified because of the grandfather clause and the other one could never be a police officer,” said Bethel Springs Mayor Kay Cox. Last week state officials took Bethel Springs long-time Police Chief, Pee Wee Sowell’s certification away, mandating that he attend the police academy to be reinstated. That was not a requirement when Sowell, now 81 years old, first became an officer. “It will take a while for residents to get used to Pee Wee not patrolling the city during the day,” said McNairy County Sheriff Guy Buck. According to Sheriff Buck, the county department already responds to Bethel Springs’ calls on the weekends and weeknights. For now, they will also respond to calls during the day. “The citizens know that no matter where they are in the county, we’re going to respond,” said Sheriff Buck. The Mayor said she while she believes that the funds for a new police department can be used for something else, the final decision is up to the board members. The next town meeting will be held on July 8.
