Published: November 09, 2009 08:30 am      

St. Elmo residents rally in support of dismissed chief

ST. ELMO — St. Elmo residents are rallying in support of their police chief who was fired this week by the mayor.

St. Elmo resident Michael L. LaMar Sr. began standing on the corner of Main Street and Cumberland Road just hours after finding out Thursday about Police Chief Ken Thomason’s termination.

Thomason was terminated Wednesday by Mayor Larry Tish, who is not disclosing the reason for termination at this time.

“He was wrongfully dismissed without grounds,” said LaMar. “There was no reason or explanation given.”

LaMar claims the action did not follow protocol for dismissal for any job, sayings steps have to be followed.

However, in the letter to Thomason, Tish refers to an Illinois Municipal Code that gives him the authority to remove any officer appointed by the mayor, which in St. Elmo includes the chief of police, “whenever the mayor or president is of the opinion that the interests of the municipality demand removal.”

Despite the way Thomason was fired, LaMar believes the termination wasn’t warranted. He has known Thomason for seven years.

“I find the chief very professional.” he said. “I can’t think of anyone better for the job. A man of his character is hard to replace.”

Because LaMar believes the way Thomason was terminated is unjust, he’s exercising his First Amendment right to address his grievances against government in rallying support to get the chief reinstated on Nov. 12 when a special city council meeting will be held regarding the termination. Tish stated in the dismissal letter given to Thomason that he would give reasons for the termination at the meeting.

The council will then have the opportunity to reinstate Thomason, but must do so by a two-thirds vote.

The termination of Thomason comes on the heels of a dispute between the police chief and mayor during the city council meeting Monday. Thomason was upset the mayor testified for the defendant during a court proceeding regarding a city ordinance violation issued by Thomason. That violation was overturned by the judge because the ordinance was deemed too vague.

LaMar was at the street corner at 7 a.m. Friday handing out yard signs supporting Thomason and talking to anyone who would stop.

“I’m telling people to get a hold of their precinct committeemen and express their views,” he said.

As a law-abiding citizen, LaMar is making sure he or anyone else does not obstruct traffic in the process of expressing their opinion.

As of early Friday afternoon, LaMar said he had received mostly support from passing motorists with thumbs up, waves or honks, only receiving negative reactions from a few.

Homemade signs Friday also could be seen along Main Street and in front of a barbershop echoing support.

According to barber Larry Stolte, who has had his sign up since 6 a.m. Thursday, support is widespread.

“You cannot believe how much support is behind him (Thomason). He’s a good guy,” he said, adding the termination was wrong.

St. Elmo Fire Chief Doug Englejohn seems to agree.

“He was done wrong. I don’t think it’s right.” he said.

One resident believes the situation is an eye opener.

“I think the community needs to open up its eyes and see what kind of man they elected as mayor,” said Shannon Stolte.

As for LaMar, he plans on staying at the corner day and night until Nov. 12.

“Every voice counts,” he said.

A phone message left to Tish was not returned Friday.

Cathy Thoele can be reached at 217-347-7151 ext. 126 or cathy.thoele@effinghamdailynews.com.