Although police officer Brandon Hannes was hired a mere four months ago, the Hurley Town Council accepted his resignation at their meeting Tuesday, despite councilors’ reluctance. The town’s department has been fully staffed for just a brief period. “Can we deny [his resignation]?” Mayor Pro Tem Richard Maynes asked jokingly. After a quick vote, Mayor Ed Stevens addressed Hannes. “Thank you for your efforts, in the short time you were …
During a special meeting Monday afternoon, the Bayard City Council approved recommendations from Police Chief Cornel Stemley to fill three vacant officer positions. While two of the approved applicants are uncertified, the third, former Hurley Police Chief Jaime Serrano, is already certified. While Serrano served as Hurley’s chief for roughly two years, he was fired in August 2020, several weeks after complaints of “no confidence” were filed by two Hurley …
Over the course of 2021, struggles within Mining District municipal police departments continued. While these departments have long seen high turnover rates, area officials noted that over the last few years, it has grown increasingly difficult to maintain adequately staffed departments. Whether or not it is even sustainable for these communities to maintain their own departments remained a hot topic throughout the year. As 2021 began, Bayard and Hurley were …