Posted 11:44 pm Saturday, February 04, 2012
Whitehouse Police Chief Taking Leave Of Absence
By KELLY GOOCH
Staff Writer
Whitehouse Police Chief Rick Waller is taking a leave of absence with pay, pending the outcome of an investigation, Assistant City Manager Kevin Huckabee announced Friday.
“In discussions between the Whitehouse City Manager Mike Peterson and … Waller it has been decided that the current investigation may cause distractions to the operation of the police department,” Huckabee wrote in a news release. “Chief Waller and … Peterson have determined that in the best interest of the city of Whitehouse that Chief Waller voluntarily take a leave of absence with pay.”
Huckabee added, “Chief Waller has served the city of Whitehouse as police chief for almost 10 years and is looking forward to the matter being resolved so he may return to serving the citizens of Whitehouse.”
Staff Writer
Whitehouse Police Chief Rick Waller is taking a leave of absence with pay, pending the outcome of an investigation, Assistant City Manager Kevin Huckabee announced Friday.
“In discussions between the Whitehouse City Manager Mike Peterson and … Waller it has been decided that the current investigation may cause distractions to the operation of the police department,” Huckabee wrote in a news release. “Chief Waller and … Peterson have determined that in the best interest of the city of Whitehouse that Chief Waller voluntarily take a leave of absence with pay.”
Huckabee added, “Chief Waller has served the city of Whitehouse as police chief for almost 10 years and is looking forward to the matter being resolved so he may return to serving the citizens of Whitehouse.”
Friday’s announcement comes two days after Smith County Precinct 3 Constable Dustin Rust publicized that Fire Chief Ronny Fite and Waller were under investigation by his office for financial irregularities and other undisclosed allegations. However, he said Thursday that all findings will be turned over to the Texas Rangers because the investigation has become “too big,” and there are more people of interest.
Fite is being investigated for financial irregularities in the fire department’s budget, along with issues from when he worked for the city, Rust said in a news release. Authorities also are investigating other allegations against Fite, who resigned as city manager in 2009 and was terminated from his position as fire marshal effective Tuesday.
Fite is being investigated for financial irregularities in the fire department’s budget, along with issues from when he worked for the city, Rust said in a news release. Authorities also are investigating other allegations against Fite, who resigned as city manager in 2009 and was terminated from his position as fire marshal effective Tuesday.
Rust said Wednesday that Waller is being investigated for acquiring fuel in his personal vehicle from city pumps. He is accused of getting reimbursement from the city while using city fuel, according to a news release.
Fite did not return messages seeking comment on Wednesday. Waller also declined to comment Wednesday, stating in an email, “This is all very new, (and) although I have not done anything wrong, I would prefer to not make any comments at this time.”
According to the Huckabee’s news release, Peterson stated that the city of Whitehouse fund accounts are transparent, and the city administration is cooperating with law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation. The release also states the city will not make further comments because the investigation is ongoing.
Fite did not return messages seeking comment on Wednesday. Waller also declined to comment Wednesday, stating in an email, “This is all very new, (and) although I have not done anything wrong, I would prefer to not make any comments at this time.”
According to the Huckabee’s news release, Peterson stated that the city of Whitehouse fund accounts are transparent, and the city administration is cooperating with law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation. The release also states the city will not make further comments because the investigation is ongoing.
