Some of you will remember this post, Hill County town fears police influence is out of control, and the way the good citizens of Covington, TX were being intimidated, bullied, threatened and frightened out of their wits. Well, now we have some GREAT news to report! As promised, here’s the latest from WFAA.com and Brett Shipp.
Covington citizens feel safer after police chief’s arrest
COVINGTON, Texas — A tiny town south of Fort Worth, Covington, Texas has no police officers and no leadership.
And many people who live there couldn’t be happier.
One month ago, some residents told us they had been living in fear until News 8 exposed the police chief, who — they say — took over their town.
Covington City Council member Marty Smith said she lived in fear of the town’s police chief, Wade Laurence. It had gotten so bad, former Fire Chief George Burnett started a petition to have the police department disbanded.
“The police chief and three other of his other police came down and were raising Cain about me getting this petition signed,” Burnett said.
Just days after our story aired, the Texas Rangers made an arrest. It was the man who so many feared — Wade Laurence — busted on charges of alleged prescription fraud.
Smiles now on many faces in Covington say it all.
“I think there’s a lot of relief,” said Council member Rose Diaz.
On the agenda at Tuesday night’s emergency council meeting was acceptance of the resignations of every officer, city worker, and Council member who had been affiliated with former Chief Laurence.
But just before the meeting began, and resignations could be accepted, Mayor Pro-tem Alan Snider — an ally of Chief Laurence and the man needed to make a City Council quorum — abruptly stepped down.
Yet citizens who had gathered met anyway, planning a future without the intimidation of the past.
“There is a peace among people now knowing that he’s not here,” said Covington resident Scott Parker. “They know that Laurence’s officers who were mistreating people are no longer here. There’s comfort now.”
Full Story Here:
Covington citizens feel safer after police chief’s arrest
If there is one thing I can’t stand it’s a corrupt police officer. I have no use for a crooked cop or politician, and I have even less tolerance for cops and/or elected officials that throw their weight around and act like they are God’s gift to the citizenry.
I realize that Wade Laurence isn’t convicted, I know he is only charged, but I have a sneaking suspicion that the Texas DPS Rangers aren’t done with this one just yet.
Prescription fraud isn’t the strongest charge that can be levied against Laurence, but it’s a start, it gives the Rangers a lot of latitude to look further into the actions of former Police Chief Wade Laurence.
A town can’t live in fear of its leaders and police. Fear and intimidation hinder the growth of a town, no matter the size of said town, even if it’s a small community like Covington. It might not be growth that’s the issue, you simply can’t put a price tag on peace of mind, and it appears that the folks of Covington may be enjoying that peace of mind now!
I know not all that long ago, when we had our difficulties with a dictatorial individual here in Rowlett, the mood of the city workers in ALL departments was very edgy. The same could be said for the citizens in Rowlett that were aware of what was being said and done by one individual in his quest to be a *One Man City Government*.
Once that individual was removed from office Rowlett became a happier and more friendly place for all concerned, and we too had that peace of mind that ALL citizens need.
To the folks of Covington, stand your ground and take care of your little town, it is YOUR town and you KNOW what you need to survive and thrive. Just be certain that you don’t allow another dictator to come in and take you over again.
I want to extend a HUGE thank you for a job well done to News 8 Investigative Reporter Brett Shipp (WFAA) for the outstanding coverage he gave this story and for his great dedication to the people of North Texas!
Corrupt cops stain law enforcement, and need to be eliminated.
Simple as that.
When I retire in a few years, I can hold my head high knowing that I was not corrupt and that I did my job.
BZ
Like you, Fred, I respect and honor the men and women who take on the responsibility of enforcing the law and protecting the citizens they work for.
And like you, I despise over-bearing and crooked police officers.
I wonder if it is truly a trend that there is much more over-bearing behavior on the part of local and state police, and particularly of federal law enforcement, or if we merely have improved coverage of this behavior?