Carolina Beach police chief fired
CAROLINA BEACH, NC (WWAY) — Carolina Beach has fired Police Chief Ken Hinkle effective immediately, according to Hinkle’s attorney Barry Henline.
“He was very disappointed,” Henline said.
Henline says Town Manager Michael Cramer fired Hinkle this morning in a letter.
According to the termination letter provided by Henline, Hinkle was terminated based on three factors:
- Poor performance in complying with rules and regulations for the administration of the department
- Failure to abide by the town’s personnel policy
- Insubordination or a stated refusal to perform assigned duties or a flagrant violation of work rules and regulations.
The move comes after Henline says the town suspended Hinkle with pay April 15 as part of a non-disciplinary investigation. Heline says Cramer received a complaint during a town council hearing. After the investigation, Henline says Cramer fired Hinkle.
While Henline says they cannot discuss the complaint, Hinkle will appeal his termination.
“There were allegations made in the complaint that we don’t feel are accurate,” Henline said. “We feel that through the appeals process some more light could be shed on the situation and reverse the manager’s decision to terminate him.”
Henline says Hinkle was dedicated to his position.
“He wants to serve the town,” Henline said. “He relished the job he had as the chief of police and very much enjoyed the town and the citizens, and the community.”
Cramer was not available for interview, but he says Captain Harry Humphries will serve as chief in the interim.
Leave a Reply