BY CARMEN RODGERS
ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
Top Photo of now Former Tallassee Police Chief Matt Higgins from social media
Tallassee Chief of Police Matthew Higgins announced his resignation in a letter that Mayor John Hammock read during the Mayor’s Reports at the Dec. 14 council meeting.
“I have worked tirelessly over the last five years to improve the Tallassee Police Department. I believe we have had great strides forward in the areas of technology, equipment, personnel, and service to the community. These improvements have required countless hours of work to accomplish,” Higgins wrote in his Letter of Resignation.
He continued, “I have spent nearly 30-years in the law enforcement career field, which has required a lot of sacrifice by my family, and myself. During the last year, I have gained another grandchild and suffered the death of my father. These events have made me appreciate even more the time I have with my family.”
At the Nov. 9 meeting, the Tallassee City Council passed a resolution that named Higgins along with other city officials and employees as the subject of an investigation that has since been turned over to proper state agencies.
“I have also seen them endure a great deal over the last several months as the negative self-serving politics have played out. You cannot have your leadership and decision-making constantly questioned and continue to be able to move forward,” Higgins wrote. “It is for all of these reasons that I have made the very difficult decision to resign my position with the Tallassee Police Department,” Higgins’ letter continued.
Higgins said his resignation would be effective Tuesday, Dec. 14.
“I would like to thank the good officers that have worked hard during my tenure, as well as those citizens that have supported us. I pray for the officer’s continued safety,” Higgins wrote
This resignation falls just months after back-to-back executive sessions, the resignation of the building inspector, Mayor Hammock being removed by the council as utilities director and the termination in the past few days of the public relations officer/grant writer. The EAN has reported that an investigation by a City Council committee concerning several employees has been turned over to a stage agency for investigation.
As for his removal as Utilities Supervisor, Mayor Hammock has filed a federal lawsuit against the city and council members for wrongful termination, claiming the Oct. 12 termination went against the city’s own ordinances, policies and practices. Hammock is requesting back and front pay and claims mental anguish associated with his termination. Attorney Julian McPhillips filed the lawsuit on Hammock’s behalf.
