The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Local News

November 18, 2009

Hinton police chief fired; patrol officer promoted to position

By Amelia A. Pridemore

The Hinton mayor says the city’s police chief has been terminated and a city police officer has filled the position.

The former chief, Kenneth Martin, was terminated Monday, Mayor Joe Blankenship said.

Martin had been with the department about six months.

Blankenship said he could not discuss the matter further because of personnel policies.

“We want to thank him for his service to the city and we wish him luck in the future,” Blankenship said of Martin.

Tuesday night, council members voted to elevate Derek Seth Snavely, a city patrol officer, to chief, Blankenship said.

Snavely had previously worked for Hinton P.D., left for a job with the State Police and was re-hired in May.

Snavely’s appointment was approved with a 3-1 vote, Blankenship said. Council members Larry Meador, Pat Jordan and Bob Basham voted in favor of the appointment, and Charles Oxley voted against it.

Blankenship said city officials had several good candidates for the job, but he said they believed Snavely was well qualified with his previous experience.

Blankenship hopes the department can continue working to clean up the city’s drug problem. He complimented all officers.

A new member of the force — a K-9 named Rex — has become a major asset after just three weeks on the job.

Sgt. Keith Lucas is Rex’ handler.

“We have a new officer on board named Rex, and we’re proud to have Rex on board,” Blankenship said. “We’re already seeing some benefit.”

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