Monday night, the Fairview Township Board of Supervisors held a meeting where they addressed the firing of former police chief, Scott Hockenberry. People just wanted answers.
Friends and family of recently fired Fairview Township Police Chief, Scott Hockenberry, spoke out at the meeting along with members of the community.
Linda Bucknadovic said she thinks there should have been more consideration before a decision was made. “More consideration, whatever the reason was, more consideration should have been given to a man with almost 20 years of service to this township. So all of you – I hope you’re not foolish enough to try and run for reelection.”
Jim Mitchell spoke out too, telling the board he hopes they don't run again. “I’m not so sure about you running for reelection, I’d be most interested to find out what it takes to recall the supervisors that we already have.”
The more than 100 supporters in that crowded the room made it clear – they believe the Township made a horrible mistake.
Elain Baumbach was in the crowded meeting too. “My hope is that Chief Hockenberry gets an excellent lawyer and does not sue the township, but sues individuals for making this absolutely ridiculous decision.”
This all comes after Scott Hockenberry had a picture taken with a topless woman at a bike rally in Maryland on September 15th.
After the picture surfaced, the board of Supervisors say they launched an investigation that revealed conduct that supported Hockenberry’s termination, and on November 8th, he was voted out of his position.
David Jones, a Township Solicitor responded to the supporters in the room. “Such matters are exempt from public discussion under the Pennsylvania Sunshine Law for the protection of all parties concerned.”
The board made it clear, they won’t be talking.
Even members of other Police forces from around Central PA went to the meeting to show support. Sam Morgan is a retired police officer from Lower Allen Township. “If this was the only allegation against Scott… I would honestly put to you that every single cop in New Orleans would be fired.”
Most people just wanted to know the exact reasons why he was fired – whether it was the picture or not. “It’s not that he had Fairview Township police car in the background, this happened out of state, and this happened off time. Finding a good police officer these days is difficult. It seems a shame that we’re gonna get rid of a police officer for something so trite – and so quickly, that it seems like there might be some kind of personal vendetta," said Doug Klinger.
Mark Olson agreed. “Even a criminal is given due process and their day in court.”
After the meeting, many weren’t satisfied with what they heard. “The township Board of Supervisors sat there. They might as well of had ear plugs in their ears because they didn’t hear a word we said – nothing.” said meeting attendee Gladys Treaster.
Treaster’s son took the photo of Hockenberry, and while fighting to get justice, Mike Treaster ended up getting suspended at his job at the fire company by the board of supervisors. Gladys says she's tired of it. “I am tired of all these good men getting kicked in the butt for nothing. It’s not right and it’s not fair and it’s time people stood up for the right person. You better stand for something or your not going to stand for anything. I’m so infuriated with this.”
Many supporters say that if there was anything positive that came from this, it’s that the board is open to different options. “The solicitor said that anything is possible, so that’s kind of positive. If there is a chance they can reverse the decision they made, I hope they do that, that will be the best thing for everybody.”
Friends and family of recently fired Fairview Township Police Chief, Scott Hockenberry, spoke out at the meeting along with members of the community.
Linda Bucknadovic said she thinks there should have been more consideration before a decision was made. “More consideration, whatever the reason was, more consideration should have been given to a man with almost 20 years of service to this township. So all of you – I hope you’re not foolish enough to try and run for reelection.”
Jim Mitchell spoke out too, telling the board he hopes they don't run again. “I’m not so sure about you running for reelection, I’d be most interested to find out what it takes to recall the supervisors that we already have.”
The more than 100 supporters in that crowded the room made it clear – they believe the Township made a horrible mistake.
Elain Baumbach was in the crowded meeting too. “My hope is that Chief Hockenberry gets an excellent lawyer and does not sue the township, but sues individuals for making this absolutely ridiculous decision.”
This all comes after Scott Hockenberry had a picture taken with a topless woman at a bike rally in Maryland on September 15th.
After the picture surfaced, the board of Supervisors say they launched an investigation that revealed conduct that supported Hockenberry’s termination, and on November 8th, he was voted out of his position.
David Jones, a Township Solicitor responded to the supporters in the room. “Such matters are exempt from public discussion under the Pennsylvania Sunshine Law for the protection of all parties concerned.”
The board made it clear, they won’t be talking.
Even members of other Police forces from around Central PA went to the meeting to show support. Sam Morgan is a retired police officer from Lower Allen Township. “If this was the only allegation against Scott… I would honestly put to you that every single cop in New Orleans would be fired.”
Most people just wanted to know the exact reasons why he was fired – whether it was the picture or not. “It’s not that he had Fairview Township police car in the background, this happened out of state, and this happened off time. Finding a good police officer these days is difficult. It seems a shame that we’re gonna get rid of a police officer for something so trite – and so quickly, that it seems like there might be some kind of personal vendetta," said Doug Klinger.
Mark Olson agreed. “Even a criminal is given due process and their day in court.”
After the meeting, many weren’t satisfied with what they heard. “The township Board of Supervisors sat there. They might as well of had ear plugs in their ears because they didn’t hear a word we said – nothing.” said meeting attendee Gladys Treaster.
Treaster’s son took the photo of Hockenberry, and while fighting to get justice, Mike Treaster ended up getting suspended at his job at the fire company by the board of supervisors. Gladys says she's tired of it. “I am tired of all these good men getting kicked in the butt for nothing. It’s not right and it’s not fair and it’s time people stood up for the right person. You better stand for something or your not going to stand for anything. I’m so infuriated with this.”
Many supporters say that if there was anything positive that came from this, it’s that the board is open to different options. “The solicitor said that anything is possible, so that’s kind of positive. If there is a chance they can reverse the decision they made, I hope they do that, that will be the best thing for everybody.”