CORNING — There was a palpable frustration at the start of City Council Tuesday night over the dismissal of former Police Chief Jeremiah Fears and the city’s lack of transparency regarding the action.
During public comments, several residents expressed their issues with the recent events.
Tim Ross had concerns about firing Fears, saying he felt the former police chief had been nothing but great for this town the whole time he had been in the city.
“I would appreciate it if this could be handled quickly so that his name stops being dragged through the mud,” Ross added. “Nobody knows anything that is going on, and everybody is coming to their own conclusions, and it is not good.”
Robert Towne spoke in defense of his brother-in-law. Towne said he supported Fears, not because of family connections but due to his belief the former police chief was committed to superior service, was a man of integrity, and had a positive influence on the community. He recalled it was not uncommon to see him out on the streets, keeping the community safe.
“It is disturbing to me that the city refuses to comment on their investigation and expects the community to believe a narrative,” Towne continued. “The opportunity for change is in the best interest for Corning. I feel this is weak reasoning for dismissing an employee. Chief Fears deserves so much better.”
One woman, who did not identify herself but was carrying a sign supporting Fears, described him as akin to being a brother. She has known him for almost 20 years and said he’s been there for her family in a law enforcement capacity and as a family friend.
“He is like personal family, and I think a lot of things need to be answered,” she added.
Another man expressed his concern that this situation could cause a rise in crime if it is not resolved properly.
Mayor Robert Snow read from a prepared statement.
“We understand a lot of members of this community members have questions regarding the departure of Chief Fears,” Snow said. “This is a confidential personnel matter. We understand that change is hard, but we, as a council, believe that this is in the best interest of the city of Corning. We fully support this administrative change and look forward to the positive steps going forward. We do thank Chief Fears for his service to the community and everything that he has done for the city of Corning, and also thank Interim Chief Bassett for helping us out as we move forward.”
Snow acknowledged there were a lot of rumors going around town about Fears but reiterated that because this is a personal matter, the city and council can not disclose what happened to cause this change.
City Manager Brant Mesker wanted to clarify some things about the police department. It is entirely staffed to have dispatch, patrol shifts, and a school resource officer on campus during the week.
“By no means is the current staffing level levels at the point where it is at a detriment to the safety of the city or its citizens,” Mesker said.
