The McComb Civil Service Commission has reinstated Greg Martin as acting police chief.
The commissioners voted 3-0 Wednesday to reinstate Martin, saying that his suspension was politically motivated and ordered his immediate reinstatement. The decision followed a hearing in which Martin was the only witness.
Mayor Zach Patterson, who filed the complaint against Martin, did not attend the hearing, although he was at City Hall while the hearing was going on. The city was not represented by an attorney, and no other witnesses who were subpoenaed for the hearing attended.
“I want to thank all the people who have supported me with their prayers, and have contributed in other ways,” Martin said. “I ask them to continue to pray for me and the city of McComb.
The commission’s decision comes one day after Patterson severely criticized the commissioners during a Tuesday night board of selectmen meeting, claiming that the Civil Service Commission was acting “outside their realm of responsibility,” and operating what appeared to be a “good ole boy system.”
Patterson, who suspended Martin on May 11 for insubordination, said Tuesday that he was reinstating Martin as an assistant to acting Police Chief Mark Anderson. The mayor also hinted that he intended to file other charges against Martin.
John Ott, Martin’s attorney, said he has not received confirmation that that Martin was returning to duty.
“I’ve heard rumors about it, but I haven’t seen anything official,” he said.
Concerning Patterson’s other possible charges against Martin, Ott replied, “he’s had 30 days since he suspended Greg; if he had anything else, he would’ve, could’ve, should’ve (filed the complaints).”
The mayor suspended Martin after Martin refused to meet with the him unless police Lt. Scott McKenzie was allowed to remain in a meeting with Patterson as Martin’s witness.
Martin said he brought a witness on Ott’s advice, because Patterson has sued Martin for slander.
