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Pendleton leaders detail why they think police chief should be fired

PENDLETON, Ind. (WISH) — Some leaders in this Madison County town have outlined why they think the police chief should be fired for a string of controversial Facebook posts on his page. 

But, some townspeople think Chief Marc Farrer has done nothing wrong or, if he has, he should not lose his job. 

In January, the Pendleton Town Council voted to fire Chief Marc Farrer, who is awaiting a 2 p.m. March 8 hearing to appeal the decision. Farrer declined to comment for this story.

The Town Council’s Safety Board believes Farrer has “recklessly eroded public trust” with Facebook posts that the leaders say showed bias against several minority groups. They said his position is one where being fair to all is essential.

A Safety Board document obtained by News 8 said some of the chief’s posts on Facebook showed bias against African-Americans, Muslims, liberals and people who identify as transgender. 

The board said he broke several town policies, including neglect of duty and immoral conduct. The board also said another policy, failing to cooperate or be truthful, also was broken during the course of its investigation. 

The board also said Farrer used his Facebook account to communicate with the public as police chief. He responded to concerns about speeding, telling people to reach out to him since he’s the chief. 

Farrer has received some support in the town of 4,200. Signs on some front lawns declare backing for the embattled chief. 

Leah Hammond wore a shirt supporting Farrer when News 8 knocked on her door. She said she doesn’t see bias in his posts. She said she has a son, who she described as mixed, and the police chief’s posts do not bother her in the slightest. 

“I don’t see my son being in jeopardy. I have a mixed son and if it came down to it, do I think Marc wouldn’t protect him? Absolutely not. Marc would protect him,” she said.  

Meanwhile, Vicki Hardesty combed through the 40-page document from News 8.

“I think he should be reprimanded in some way. Personally, I don’t think he should lose his job,” she said. 

Hardesty said she can see how people could find his posts offensive, but she has questions for them.  “Have you ever made a mistake? Have you made a mistake you are sorry for? Have you made a mistake you have to pay severely for?”