Community Reacts To Terminated Wetumpka Police Chief

The city council’s vote to terminate police chief Celia Dixon went into affect immediately. But the process still isn’t over. 

 

Wetumpka City Council and Mayor Jerry Willis have been talking about Chief Dixon’s job for several months now. 

 

She was put on leave back in July.

 

“It started with several employees coming forward, former employees making some allegations about the chief. We did hire an independent investigator to do an investigation which took several weeks. Based on her report, there were allegations supported by the evidence,” said city attorney Regina Edwards. 

 

The council voted 4-2 to terminate Dixon on Thursday. 

 

She was accused of threatening bodily harm, telling officers to not communicate with the mayor and council, as well as encouraging officers not to give out tickets to people she knew. 

 

Even though Dixon has been terminated, she still has a week to file an appeal. 

 

“The mayor would appoint a three member board which would hear the appeal. They would have to meet within the next 30 days to hold the hearing,” said Edwards.

 

Some people we spoke with in the community support the council’s decision.

 

“They do their job, that’s why they’re put there. If they did an investigation and they found them guilty, then they’re most likely guilty,” said Mary Joyce.

 

“I pretty much feel that it’s true. Not only there, but even in other areas in Elmore county,” agreed Melissa Sullivan.

 

The mayor and city council members either did not want to comment or were unavailable. 

 

We tried to reach Celia Dixon for a comment, however, we were unable to reach her.