Residents In Damascus, Virginia Speak Out After Another Police Chief Was Fired

A small Southwest Virginia town is back in the spotlight. The Damascus Town Council fired its police chief again. John Rouse was fired late Monday night.

By: Bill Christian | TriCities.com
Published: July 08, 2008

The Damascus Town Council fired its police chief again. John Rouse was fired late Monday night. Rouse was let go less than a year after he was hired to replace former Police Chief Tony Richardson who was arrested on drug charges.
Damascus, Virginia Mayor Creed said on Tuesday that Rouse was fired for poor job performance, but he would not elaborate.
Chad McGlamery has lived in Damascus all his life. He hopes the reputation of this small town is not tarnished after firing two police chiefs in less than two years.
"We have a lot of tourists coming in here from North Carolina...all over that comes to ride the trails and hike in Damascus. It's just a great place to visit," McGlamery said.
More than a year after Richardson was fired, town’s people are still looking for trust and stability from the men in blue.
"They just need to get someone that is very experienced with small town people and is going to do things and uphold the law,” McGlamery said.
The fallout over Monday night's town council meeting didn't end with the chief. One police officer resigned in protest of Rouse's firing. Steve Mcvey was appointed as interim police chief on Monday night and Mayor Jones said the search for a permanent chief is underway.

Residents In Damascus, Virginia Speak Out After Another Police Chief Was Fired

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