SALINE COUNTY, AR — Saline County is now one step closer to bringing in a new sheriff. County leaders officially declared the sheriff’s seat vacant Monday night, days after Sheriff Bruce Pennington announced his retirement for the second time.
After announcing his retirement then changing the date, Pennington most recently announced he was stepping down effective Oct. 1.
While people are still expressing mixed opinions about his departure, most are ready for the county to move on. After wading through weeks of uncertainty over the sheriff’s seat, passing the new resolution marks the last page in a rough chapter for Saline county.
Pennington is on his way out after pleading guilty to public intoxication and resisting arrest, but it’s clear from remarks from his supporters and opponents the sheriff’s scandal left it’s mark.
“You’ve got 105 employees sitting there underpaid, under-equipped, under-staffed and right now they’re all operating in fear cause they don’t know what’s going to happen to them,” says former quorum court member Tom Lish.
Donna Jones took the podium and said, “Bruce Pennington has been a major black eye. I think if you promote from within you will get the same thing we have.”
“Bruce Pennington is human we’re all human and I still believe in the law” says Melanie McCann.
Despite their differences, community members and county leaders agree on one thing.
“Just like all the citizens here, we believe you all will make the right decision to make sure Saline County is safe for our kids and grandkids,” says McCann.
Although Pennington has more than two weeks left in office, the court voted to declare his seat vacant, hoping it’s the start of a new chapter that allows Saline County to move forward.
“I’m not trying to bad talk the sheriff, but we are looking for a new beginning,” County Judge Lanny Fite says.
The Saline County quorum court is accepting resumes through Friday at noon for an interim sheriff.
After announcing his retirement then changing the date, Pennington most recently announced he was stepping down effective Oct. 1.
While people are still expressing mixed opinions about his departure, most are ready for the county to move on. After wading through weeks of uncertainty over the sheriff’s seat, passing the new resolution marks the last page in a rough chapter for Saline county.
Pennington is on his way out after pleading guilty to public intoxication and resisting arrest, but it’s clear from remarks from his supporters and opponents the sheriff’s scandal left it’s mark.
“You’ve got 105 employees sitting there underpaid, under-equipped, under-staffed and right now they’re all operating in fear cause they don’t know what’s going to happen to them,” says former quorum court member Tom Lish.
Donna Jones took the podium and said, “Bruce Pennington has been a major black eye. I think if you promote from within you will get the same thing we have.”
“Bruce Pennington is human we’re all human and I still believe in the law” says Melanie McCann.
Despite their differences, community members and county leaders agree on one thing.
“Just like all the citizens here, we believe you all will make the right decision to make sure Saline County is safe for our kids and grandkids,” says McCann.
Although Pennington has more than two weeks left in office, the court voted to declare his seat vacant, hoping it’s the start of a new chapter that allows Saline County to move forward.
“I’m not trying to bad talk the sheriff, but we are looking for a new beginning,” County Judge Lanny Fite says.
The Saline County quorum court is accepting resumes through Friday at noon for an interim sheriff.
