By Sherri Blevins
Mayor Hughes and the Bridgeport City Council questioned why police equipment was not turned into the City when a former Bridgeport Police Chief left the force in 2021. During the May 23, 2022, Bridgeport City Council meeting, Mayor Hughes asked the current Police Chief Lee Henagar to describe an incident that occurred Friday night.
According to the Chief, officers found Bridgeport police equipment, including a gun, taser, and police vest, in the trunk of a woman’s vehicle, which the City of Bridgeport did not employ. The Chief stated that the woman gave the officers permission to search her trunk. She told the officers that the former Bridgeport Police Chief gave the items to her while she was attending the police academy in Nashville, Tennesse, to use while training. The Chief said she actually qualified at the academy last week using the gun.
Mayor Hughes asked if anyone knew why the items had not been returned to the police department when the former police chief left. Councilmember Michelle Willis asked if the items had been marked off the inventory. Chief Henagar stated the former Chief was in charge of inventory, and he had not seen the inventory list. He added that when he took charge, he made a new inventory list of all items the officers were issued, and each item must be checked in and out as it is used.
Mayor Hughes said the matter would be turned over to City Attorney Lackey to investigate if charges need to be filed or if the matter needs to be pursued further.
In other business, the Council agreed to three sponsorships during the meeting. Mayor Hughes congratulated the North Jackson High School Softball Team on their successful season, and the Council honored its request for a $500.00 sponsorship. The Council awarded a $500.00 sponsorship to the CUBBS organization, and a $5,000.00 sponsorship to the Trail of Tears Committee for the upcoming event.
The Council approved Resolution 5-23-2022, accepting an ADECA $1 million grant for the Charlie Smith Field renovation with the City matching a portion of the funds. It also approved a $2.00 per hour raise for the Bridgeport Police Chief.
Councilmember Joe Stovall reported on plans for the Trail of Tears event. He said the Trail of Tears T-Shirts would be in next week, and the organizers are planning for the event to include food, three fantastic bands, bouncy houses for the children, different contests with prizes awarded, and fireworks to end the night. More specific information will be released soon.
The Bridgeport City Council meets on the second and fourth Monday night of the month at 5:30 pm.
