High Springs chief fired

HIGH SPRINGS – High Springs Police Chief Steve Holley has been terminated from his position with the city. Holley’s failure to return to work following a 30-day leave led City Attorney Scott Walker to send a letter to Paul Donnelly and Christopher Deem, Holley's attorneys, on behalf of the city citing that Holley had been absent without leave and his position as police chief was terminated.

The letter, which was dated March 14, 2014, reminded Holley's attorney that Walker had sent a request on March 7 to have Holley return to work by March 10, 2014, following Holley's absence from work on Feb. 24, the date he was to return after his 30-day leave.

“As Mr. Holley has failed to return to work within three (3) days of the end of his paid leave, or for that matter within three (3) days of demand by the City that he do so, Mr. Holley is now deemed A.W.O.L. from his job.” Walker continued, “As Mr. Holley was employed by the City as the Chief of Police at all times relevant hereto, Mr. Holley is covered by the City's Personnel Policy & Procedures Manual adopted November 3, 2011, and is not subject to any collective bargaining agreements with the City.”

Walker went on to say that due to Holley's continued absence, he was considered to have voluntarily terminated his employment with the city as of March 10, 2014.

Walker's letter also specified Holley resigned without providing the requisite two week’s notice and because of that, was not entitled to cash out his accrued vacation and sick pay. The letter went on to explain that no further salary payments would be made “effective at the end of the day March 10, 2014” and that Holley “shall immediately return to the City any and all property of the City” which included his car, gun, shield and any other items belonging to the city.

Subsequently, Holley returned all property to the city on March 14, 2014.

The Police Benevolent Association (PBA) issued a statement March 17, 2014, responding to Holley’s termination, writing “The City Manager's claims are neither factual, honest, legal nor ethical,” and accuses the city manager of attempting to hide his own official misconduct. It also states that the basis of the termination of Holley's employment is “fabricated, misleading and blatantly untrue.” The PBA also charges that the city attorney and city manager have violated the provisions of the city's Personnel Manual, Charter and state and federal statutes and accuses both of “slanderous and illegal practices.”

In response to the PBA’s statement, Booth said he is unable to comment on the case as it is part of an ongoing Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigation.

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