Pima Council terminates officer

By Jon Johnson
Assistant Editor
Published on Thursday, November 5, 2009 5:14 PM MST

After being in executive session for nearly 2-1/2 hours, the Pima Town Council went back into its open meeting and eventually ended Pima officer Keith Whitmire's employment Tuesday.

The council voted 4-1 for termination. Pima Mayor Russell Woods cast the lone dissenting vote.

Whitmire had been on paid administrative leave for about three months prior to the decision. During his leave, Whitmire was investigated by the Department of Public Safety for three separate allegations of misconduct with 10 different violations, according to Pima Police Chief Dianne Cauthen. She said the allegations stemmed from nonfeasance and malfeasance of duty, including not documenting the chain of custody while collecting blood evidence and not turning in orders of protection reports in a timely manner.

"Some of these things led to some of our citizens feeling that they were wronged," Cauthen said.

Some of the other violations listed in the DPS report include insubordination, lying to supervisors and lying to administrative interviewers, according to Cauthen.

"There's some serious charges in there," she said.

The Courier has not reviewed the DPS report because it is yet to become public record. After Cauthen files her final disposition addendum to the report with the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board, the report will become public record and the Courier will request a copy.

Cauthen said she substantiated the DPS investigation's findings and recommended termination based on those findings. She said the letter recommending termination she gave the council will also be given to AZPOST. It is entirely up to AZPOST to decide whether to suspend or terminate Whitmire's officer certification. The certification is necessary to be eligible for most law enforcement positions.

The council decided to remove Whitmire because he had not met the Police Department's standards while on his probationary period. Whitmire was on a new-hire yearlong probationary period because he had previously left his position for another job and then was rehired. The probation period was set to end in January 2010. Whitmire had served on the Pima Police Department for about 13 years, including time as the department's chief of police.

Councilor Sherri Rozzell said she felt the council would be undermining Cauthen's authority as Pima's Police chief if they did not terminate Whitmire, especially because he was still on his probation period. Vice Mayor George Lemen agreed with Rozzell and made a motion to terminate him for "not living up to the probation."

Mayor Woods said he voted against termination because he believes Whitmire has been a good officer for the town during his 13-year tenure and that everybody makes mistakes.

Whitmire told the Courier the allegations against him are unfounded, and the council used the probation clause as an excuse to terminate him. He said he couldn't disprove all of the allegations because most of them had to do with County Dispatch records that he has no control over.

"I more or less think it was nothing but a witch hunt. . ." Whitmire said. "The town of Pima (has) some issues, some serious issues. And eventually, it will come back to bite them in the butt."

Pima recently hired a new officer, Jon Hurston, but that was to replace former officer Daniel Rios who resigned June 22 after committing an off-duty outburst in Clifton. Hurston is a native of Safford who spent three years with the Surprise Police Department.

Cauthen said her department has three full-time officers and two reserve officers. She told the Courier that Pima will be advertising for a fourth full-time officer in the near future.

Comments

88 comment(s)

    Mark S. wrote on Nov 20, 2009 2:48 PM:

    " Why would TM not still work for PPD? Because he spoke in public, about public concerns, issues that the Manager and Chief didn't want the pubic to know, issues that the Manager and Chief may have never told the council, and he presented public documents, documents that are pubic record, and documents that the public should have already? It sounds more like TM was the messenger. "

    To Pretty Sad wrote on Nov 20, 2009 2:39 PM:

    " Whitmire wasn't found GUILTY. That's a term used in court, not internal investigations. The DPS report is full of the town gossiper’s statements but it is all just gossip. DPS didn't make a finding one way or another. That’s why Pima used the probation loophole to terminate him. He was really terminated because he voiced his concerns about internal problems that the town manager and council didn't want you to know about. It was indeed a witch-hunt! "

    R. McBride wrote on Nov 20, 2009 9:22 AM:

    " Actually, I love pointing out the glaring errors in your arguments (defensive or not). I'd enjoy this much more if it weren’t at KW's expense.

    However, don't be surprised if people are defensive around you. You realize that you needlessly destroyed someone’s career, for completely selfish reasons. The fact that Pima officers are willing to accept low wages doesn’t substitute for philanthropy. Your implication of such is merely pretense.

    As far as catching illegals, I commend the rancher for a job well done, while the Pima911 team was busy in an impromptu committee meeting. "

    Pima mom wrote on Nov 20, 2009 8:45 AM:

    " As a mom of teenage girls, it is my right to know that my daughters are safe in Pima. How old is this "girl" that is mentioned? Are my daughters safe being pulled over by Shupe?

    Also, after his history, why is it that the Town of Pima is allowing Sgt. Shupe to have ride-alongs in his patrol car? "

    Dear John Cougar wrote on Nov 20, 2009 8:40 AM:

    " Instead of "Taylor Freeze", Robbie will have to sing "outside the Dairy Queen" as the officers spend most of their time in Safford. "

    Pretty sad cont. wrote on Nov 20, 2009 6:55 AM:

    " One is to many if you ask me. Officers are held to a higher standard or at least should be held there. He was found GUILTY and thats that! Im for one glad he no longer says he works here. He never really worked here in the first place did he? Check out his arrest and citation records. LOWEST there is. Come on just move on and let him run his little store and lets get a good one into take his place. TM ya still working with PPD? "

    Pretty sad wrote on Nov 20, 2009 6:52 AM:

    " It"s pretty sad when a person was fired after being found GUILTY by an outside Agency and your saying it was a bad move. You want to know what he fibbed on and what he didnt. You want to know what facts there are, well it's all documented and on it's way to AZPOST to be reviewed and action taken on it pending the findings. DPS found 10 (ten) THATS 10 (ten) faults on his part! How many do you need? Let me guess it's ok for what 5 (five) but not 10 (ten)? "

    John Cougar wrote on Nov 20, 2009 12:09 AM:

    " Robbie,

    I for one would like to hear the ditty about Jack and Dianne. But perhaps you could change the lyrics to Shupe and Diane. And don't forget, their outside the "Taylor Freeze" not the "Tastee Freeze"!

    T. McBride
    And if you're about to rock....I salute you! "

    To McFly wrote on Nov 19, 2009 11:59 PM:

    " You're awfully defensive. You must be related to Sterling Jergens. "

    to point to ponder wrote on Nov 19, 2009 2:18 PM:

    " I do not think that the problem is working the detail. I think that it is the fact that cauthen abandoned her job covering the town of pima to go and chase uda's out in the county, which last time i checked was the county's job, or those actually working that detail. bottom line she abandoned the town and left it unprotected or in the hands of another agency. "

    R. McBride wrote on Nov 19, 2009 1:38 PM:

    " Also your comment indicates that the only reason Shupe is employed in Pima is BECAUSE of a troubled past. Are you saying that Shupe’s troubled past was used as a qualification for employment in Pima? "

    R. McBride wrote on Nov 19, 2009 1:27 PM:

    " I am not sure you understood the comment at all. The research was done by 'to stone cold truth', or so he implies. This research indicates that SOME employees are in trouble. The conclusion reached by 'to stone cold truth' is that: troubled Pima employees are not a problem for the community because not ALL Pima employees are in trouble. If you cannot see the error in this logic then I cannot help you any further. "

    point to ponder wrote on Nov 19, 2009 11:44 AM:

    " Referring to the "Chinese UDA's Caught" remark, here's a point to ponder. If they didn't have the option to go work for that FEDERALLY FUNDED detail, they might go work somewhere else. From the looks of the new job posting for police officer in the classifieds, I doubt folks are falling over each over to go work for 32,500 when other agencies pay significantly more. Be glad that you actually have officers for that kind of pay. "

    to R McBride wrote on Nov 19, 2009 11:40 AM:

    " So, it's common knowledge that Shupe was in trouble and that's why he is there. Now what did Diane or the new guy do? Neither Diane nor the new officer have done anything that caused them to go work for a low paying small agency. "

    ROCKY wrote on Nov 18, 2009 6:26 PM:

    " Guess what Pima we could get the old
    Moose Head back to be Chief#301.
    Of course R.Norton would have to be Mayor. "

    Check this out wrote on Nov 18, 2009 12:56 PM:

    " Please refer to the blog "Chinese UDA's caught" to find out once again where our towns officers spend their time while using our towns vehicles and using our towns gas. "

    R. McBride wrote on Nov 18, 2009 11:46 AM:

    " Obviously, my last comment was so important that it needed to be said TWICE!! "

    R. McBride wrote on Nov 18, 2009 11:13 AM:

    " Pima hires workers that are in ‘trouble’. Somehow ‘to stone cold truth’ has verified this through research, and justifies it since not ALL Pima employees are troubled.

    It is apparent that blissful ignorance is uninterrupted by contradiction. "

    R. McBride wrote on Nov 18, 2009 11:00 AM:

    " Pima hires workers that are in ‘trouble’. Somehow ‘to stone cold truth’ has verified this through research, and justifies it since not ALL Pima employees are troubled.

    It is apparent that blissful ignorance is uninterrupted by contradiction. "

    R. McBride wrote on Nov 18, 2009 10:34 AM:

    " What did Keith lie about? Has this question been answered with any level of credibility? I have not seen a single, concrete example of Keith’s dishonesty, let alone one that should warrant dismissal. Condemnation for dishonesty without addressing the question is, by definition, a witch hunt.

    Way to wax poetic Shawn. I especially liked the limerick about the wire. It took me back to the rote thought patterns of the third grade. Maybe I’ll be inspired to write ‘a little ditty about Jack and Dianne’. "

    Tassy wrote on Nov 17, 2009 9:09 PM:

    " Pima could afford to hire some better police officers if their town workers didn't take home their work trucks and then use them for family and personal business. Why do the town workers need to drive their work trucks home? Why do they need to drive them to town council meetings when they are off the clock? Hello council members, thats my gas money being wasted. "

    to stone cold truth wrote on Nov 16, 2009 4:52 PM:

    " Not everyone who works/worked for pima did so because they are in trouble. Maybe do some research before you make ignorant comments. "

    Captain America wrote on Nov 15, 2009 7:52 AM:

    " What a shame. Officer Whitmire served the town well throught his years at the department. He was one of those officers who competently, actively and vigilantly upheld the law. His demeanor was never any less than professional and courteous. When Keith Whitmire says it will come back to bite them in the butt, I am inclined to wholeheartedly agree, if for nothing other than the fact that he was a valuable asset to the community and now he is no longer in their employ.. "

    stone cold truth wrote on Nov 14, 2009 5:35 PM:

    " Two Glendale AZ. cops were fired for having sex on the job. One was married -not to the other. I guess they can look forward to jobs on the Pima Police force too. Practice what you preach or you are a liar. "

    Shawn wrote on Nov 13, 2009 8:47 PM:

    " A community full of smack talkers none who knows the truth, hides behind the paper talking smack not using their names, for fear that others will know that they are absolutely lame. "

    Two Cops on a wire wrote on Nov 13, 2009 3:58 PM:

    " There were two cops on a wire. One cop was FOUND to be a liar. Who should the public trust? Certainly not the cop on a wire who is the absolute liar. "

    R. McBride wrote on Nov 13, 2009 1:11 PM:

    " Thank you, Tracy. That means allot coming from you.

    Robbie "

    Tracy McBride wrote on Nov 13, 2009 10:09 AM:

    " Robbie that for you my brother!
    Tracy "

    Terry S. wrote on Nov 12, 2009 4:03 PM:

    " Watch your thoughts...they become words.
    Watch your words...they become actions.
    Watch your actions...they become habits.
    Watch your habits....they become character.
    Watch your character....for it becomes...your destiny. "

    Tracy McBride wrote on Nov 12, 2009 3:44 PM:

    " McFly speaks because he has to say something; you speak because you have something to say. Clearly there is a difference. I have known you my entire life. You represent the highest level of integrity. You always stand for what is right. You use your brilliance and work quietly behind the scene to secure freedom, including freedom of speech. Some people may not be aware or may take it for granted but for most it does not go unnoticed or unappreciated. I am honored to know you and to be your cousin!

    Tracy "

    McFly wrote on Nov 12, 2009 12:46 PM:

    " Hey Robbie, shouldn't you be out watering your "plants". And you might want to cover them up too, it's suppose to freeze soon. "

    R. McBride wrote on Nov 12, 2009 12:28 PM:

    " Hey McFly…

    If you’re going to call Tracy slow, then you should at least use proper grammar. ‘You are’ contracts to ‘you’re’. It does not contract to ‘your’ which is possessive.

    Also, you admit that Cauthen manipulated policy to fit the allegations. …Kool-Aid anyone?

    I’ll say it again since you obviously don’t understand simple logic. Neutrality is necessary, it is not sufficient. Go ahead and Google ‘necessary and sufficient conditions’ for further enlightenment. "

    McFly wrote on Nov 12, 2009 11:40 AM:

    " Do you even understand what a policy is? It's a guideline nothing more. It's not law and it's not concrete, it's only a guideline. "

    To McFly wrote on Nov 12, 2009 11:28 AM:

    " So what you're saying is that a Police Chief has the right to change the rules and policies anytime it fits her needs? Is that the way it works everywhere or only in Pima? I think someone should investigate that! "

    to mcfly wrote on Nov 12, 2009 10:59 AM:

    " The chief didn't write anything. The policies were borrow
    ed from thatcher pd. Changing or adjusting policy to cater
    to a specific applicant is a very poor decision. If the chief
    and council can't follow their most basic of rules which are
    in place for a reason then how can they be trusted with
    Issues. "

    McFly wrote on Nov 12, 2009 9:35 AM:

    " Tracy, maybe your a little slow (which is obvious) so I'll try to keep this as simple as I can. The chief of police writes and dictates all policies. The chief can change and make exceptions to any policy at anytime. So it's not breaking policy it's making exceptions as needed. And why would you think DPS did a bad investigation? DPS was completely nuetral and had nothing invested in the outcome. Wow what a surprise your buddy lied to you too, seems like a patern. "

    Tracy McBride wrote on Nov 12, 2009 12:34 AM:

    " Yes, Keith Whitmire is my friend. I believe his investigation was not thorough and that will come out. I made a public records request asking for Pima policy. Documents I received clearly show Pima policy was violated numerous times. I was retaliated against for making such request. The retaliation was unprofessional and I was cleared.I spoke in public, voiced my complaints, and thats my right.I disagree with Schmidt but know his inlaws are great people! I dont live in Pima but its home. The council has to follow its own rules to be trusted. "

    to mike wrote on Nov 11, 2009 5:25 PM:

    " Maybe Pima didn't offer you a "possition" because you cannot spell "position". Oh well it's probably much more lucrative living off lawsuits, no? "

    Public wrote on Nov 11, 2009 1:02 PM:

    " Wow. You people are still defending him? Do you not understand the word DISHONESTY??? "

    R. McBride wrote on Nov 11, 2009 1:01 PM:

    " I am not sure what you mean by 'all my blogs'. I have posted 2 comments my entire life, each with my name attached (this would be number 3). I am not sure you know who you are talking about. Actually I am not angry or frustrated at all. However, I am very interested to see the DPS report so that I can get a complete understanding of what happened. "

    To R. McBride wrote on Nov 11, 2009 12:35 PM:

    " BLAH BLAH BLAH... "

    HUH wrote on Nov 11, 2009 12:34 PM:

    " McBride, You said " people are so judgemental ", what do you think your doing in all your blogs? Your mad because the Chief has a backbone and finally stood up for the Police Dept. There are many many people that back up the Cheifs decision. She did a wonderful job. Good Job Cheif, we support you 100% "

    Vent wrote on Nov 11, 2009 12:31 PM:

    " To R. McBride,
    We all understand that the reason why your upset and bashing the Pima police Dept is because your buddy FINALLY got caught. Its ok. You can vent your frustrations. Thats what this blog is for. The more you blog the less people are going to listen to you,. Your making yourself look just as guilty as your friend "

    Russ wrote on Nov 11, 2009 9:24 AM:

    " Mike- Now that you are in the post, just wanted to say hi! "

    R. McBride wrote on Nov 11, 2009 8:53 AM:

    " People are so judgmental that all they need is an accusation to destroy a long built life and reputation. To whom did Keith lie and was insubordinate? Let me guess, on both accounts it was to Cauthen’s supreme authority and to her four minions. So while judging, replace fear, hatred, and bloodlust with kindness, mercy, and wisdom. As far as the investigation being founded, it is merely a necessary condition for the investigator to be neutral. It is far from being a sufficient condition.

    By the way, it is Doctor McPRIDE! "

    To Sandra wrote on Nov 10, 2009 9:52 PM:

    " I dont want to work for Pima and NO im not working as a Police Officer. The Town of Pima hasnt offered me any possition and Im not looking for one at this time. Thanks though for bringing me into this post.
    I have no dealings with or want any dealing with the Town of Pima, Keith Whitmire or Tracey Mcbide. Please leave me out of this post or situation. Like I said I dont want nor have ANY dealings with these people.
    Mike Kieffer "

    Robbie says wrote on Nov 10, 2009 7:28 PM:

    " The DPS charges against Whitmire are not unfounded, and there was no witch hunt. The four members of the town council had back bone, the mayor was afraid and tried to use his position to help Whitmire. But his lies to supervisors, lies to investigators, insubordination and endangerment to citizens because he didn't do his job can't just be covered up, or referred to as a 'one mistake made during his 13 yrs as a cop'. The truth shall make you free (of a job). Great job, Pima town council, town manager, and police officers. "

    McBurp wrote on Nov 10, 2009 6:53 PM:

    " You dirt digging, faultfinders don't deserve to have anyone defending you.
    Whitmire spent ALL of his time sitting under a tree, or in his store (while on duty) talking and doing other unsavory things. Do you want officers that are doing their job, or one that does nothing but talk (and everything he says are lies) getting paid money to do 'nothing'. How pathetic can you all be. Glad you are only a small part of Pima, because 'talking to people' never protected them from anything. "

    WHATEVER wrote on Nov 10, 2009 6:48 PM:

    " I just can't wait until some of you that criticize or try to 'cut down' the good, dependable police officers Pima now has, will really need some help. I hope they treat you the way you are treating them right now. Facing someone with a gun, or threatening harm to you will turn you into slimy little helpless 'things' begging for your police officers to help defend you. I'm sure they will be professional and help, as they always do, but you sure don't deserve it. "

    Mr. Watchful wrote on Nov 10, 2009 5:55 PM:

    " I have lived here for about 20 years now. I have never seen a town that did not enforce the law. I have called for help in the past and Whitmire has been the officer on duty. He would show up for the call 25-35 minutes later. Didn't need him by then, the Sheriff already showed up. "

    Sandra wrote on Nov 10, 2009 4:40 PM:

    " Hey what ever happend to M. Kieffer? Is he still a cop or what? I think PIma has a Lieutenant spot that he could apply for. "

    McFly wrote on Nov 10, 2009 2:58 PM:

    " So just to make sure I understand. The whole reason whitmire got fired is he spoke out about shupe concerning things the town council already knew about, and because he was bringing it up again they fired him so no one would find out about something everyone already knew about. Wow you guys are brilliant. Let me guess, you guys drink alot of Koolaid and if you believe that then you must believe the moon is made of cheese and pigs can fly...... "

    To duh ya wrote on Nov 10, 2009 12:46 PM:

    " Are you serious? What in the world would make you think the DPS investigation was unfounded? You need to stop listening to keiths lies. The DPS investigation had 10 FOUNDED charges and the Chief agreed with the findings. The reason they fired him for probation is it's easier and harder for him to appeal. And AZPOST will be revoking his cert very soon since they already have the DPS FOUNDED investigation. "

    Stand Down wrote on Nov 10, 2009 12:22 PM:

    " Keith how dare you speak up and out to your Cheif. She's the Cheif and has ultimate authority. After all, "Councilor Sherri Rozzell said she felt the council would be undermining Cauthen's authority." She oversees a sergent and an officer. She is very very busy running that entire police department. Then again I've heard that rank counts for nothing when its a three man department. "

    duh ya wrote on Nov 10, 2009 12:09 PM:

    " Keiths termination had absolutely nothing to do with DPS. Thats what the Chief wanted to fire him for but it was unfounded and instead, the council found a probation loophole and fired him for that. Ultimately, Keith was fired because he spoke out about his concerns with Pima's failure to follow their own rules. He spoke out about the hiring of an officer that was WAS fired from DPS for some very serious issues. But don't take my word for it. Go request the documents and read it for yourself. "

    uh ok wrote on Nov 9, 2009 10:11 PM:

    " The MAYOR was the one with his head down and didn't even have the confidence to speak loud enough for anyone to hear! If that is backbone, we are in trouble. Oh, and I am FOR Keith, but I still think the mayor is lacking in backbone. "

    McPRIDE wrote on Nov 9, 2009 10:08 PM:

    " The same says it all ... "

    Amazing wrote on Nov 9, 2009 5:03 PM:

    " It's amazing to me that people are defending this officer. Did you guys miss the part in the article where the DPS investigation found him to be dishonest, lied to supervisors, lied to the investigators, and insubordination. Which one of those makes him a good officer. He's been doing this stuff for years, finally chief Cauthen had the backbone to stand up to him. Good job Chief and way to go Pima. "

    Ya wrote on Nov 9, 2009 4:30 PM:

    " How can Keith be this great officer when he was fired for dishonesty. He can't even admit his mistakes. He lies about them. How could this be a witch hunt by Pima when DPS in Phoenix did the investigation. I guess they are after Keith too. Maybe the whole state is after him. It couldn't be that he is dishonest. "

    Phart Knocker wrote on Nov 9, 2009 2:18 PM:

    " I don't know who you are Robbie, but I commend you whole heartedly for putting your real name!!!! "

    gus wrote on Nov 9, 2009 2:15 PM:

    " I think Whitmire hit it on the head, Pima does have serious issues!!! I'm not talking about the town council, police department, or mayor, I'm talking about the general public, look at you people, you ought to be ashamed of the way you're acting! Like a bunch of school children! Remind me to NEVER live in PIMA!! "

    Robbie McBride wrote on Nov 9, 2009 12:51 PM:

    " Are you serious? According to the article, the only reason the council members upheld Cauthen's allegations was to keep from undermining her authority. Wow, I am once again astounded at the inability of the council members to think for themselves. The only one with any backbone at all is the mayor.

    Although I am unaware of any relationship with Keith, I guess I must be a family member since I support him. Also, note that I am unafraid to place a name with my opinion.

    Robbie "

    to wow wrote on Nov 9, 2009 11:31 AM:

    " What are you talking about? Shupe has only been here since January, Cauthen has served well for many years here and the new guy just got here like a month ago from the phoenix area....How can you say they are a joke? Did one of them arrest you? What exactly is it that makes them a joke in your opinion? Please enlighten the public...eagerly awaiting your response. "

    jOKE wrote on Nov 9, 2009 9:13 AM:

    " Pima Police Dept and Pima Town Council you make the town of Pima,az look BAD!!!Pima residents can't believe you all have no backbone,stand up for yourselves and the town!!Geez people can't you see what is going on there!!! OPEN YOUR EYES!!! Officer Whitmire you were and are a great officer, thanks for all the hard work you did and thank you for all the years you given the town of Pima!!! You will be just fine,everyone needs a good officer like you!!Not Pima they hire "THE BEST" ha right!!!! Good Luck Pima Residents... "

    Born in Pima wrote on Nov 8, 2009 8:07 PM:

    " tracy needs to look into a mirror and address his own issues before he gets involved in a towns issues he has no business sticking his nose into. I bet he was even "on duty' when he came down here for the meeting. i guess if you throw enough crap at the wall something is going to stick. Pima did the right thing. "

    pima wrote on Nov 8, 2009 7:53 PM:

    " would some one tell us the story about the pima school and keifer is their a lawsuit "

    Wow wrote on Nov 8, 2009 4:38 PM:

    " Grow a backbone Pima town council!!Now that officer whitmire is no longer on the force, now is your opportunity to open your eyes and look at your police dept. Its a joke and so are your officers,ashamed to be living here with a police dept that is ran by these type of people!!!Hope i don't ever need assistants with this dept.WHAT A JOKE THE DEPT HAS MADE THIS TOWN!!!! "

    what wrote on Nov 8, 2009 10:44 AM:

    " Shmidt, Lemen, Rozelle? are these people from pima?Russell woods IS FROM PIMA, Keith is FROM PIMA-where is sterling shupe from and whats public record on him-check it out. You will never find someone who will look out for our community like Keith did. Surely not Sterling Shupe-ask the family of the girl that was the reason he was fired from D.P.S. "

    Johnson wrote on Nov 8, 2009 10:38 AM:

    " I am not related to Keith Whitmire-and I don't care what any report says, Keith is a good guy and really cares about the kids in Pima. He was always willing to help our family out and Im sad to see the town council make this move. Sounds like a witchhunt to me. "

    SmallTownGirl wrote on Nov 8, 2009 10:31 AM:

    " Whether you like or dislike Keith..agree with him or not..ONE thing is sure..he ALWAYS speaks his mind and opinions without apology. Props to him! THat is so much better than 95% of you who have no guts to speak openly. "

    Pima Fan wrote on Nov 7, 2009 9:20 PM:

    " I love living in Pima! I know it has problems, but it also has many qualities. I appreciate officers that know the residents that they serve & protect. It is rare anymore to have an officer wave at me & my children on our walks or even more stop by to visit. I think Officer Whitmire & Chief Cauthen are the only ones that have done that in a while. They understand what it means to live here becuase they are from here. Now, Pima is down a fine officer "

    aquestupee wrote on Nov 7, 2009 11:26 AM:

    " Sounds like they just have a huge power trip out there. A Chief a Sgt and one cop? sounds kinda top heavy to me!!! "

    RoseMary wrote on Nov 7, 2009 3:28 AM:

    " You have issues Whitmire! You have some serious issues... Im glad your no longer a police officer. I feel safe now! "

    Disappointed wrote on Nov 6, 2009 8:34 PM:

    " I am disappointed that the Town Council allowed a non-resident Phoenix Police Officer (and friend of Whitmire) to waste 5 minutes of the town meeting trying to bring up false allegations about Mgr Schmidt, Chief Cauthen, and Sgt Shupe. He requested info on them to try and find something to distract the town, to try and protect the officer who endangered Pima citizens, was insubordinate, and lied. None of it was any of his business but he has a big ego and a big head. It didn't work. The Council was too smart.
    Good Job. "

    Pima Fan wrote on Nov 6, 2009 8:14 PM:

    " I was at the Town Meeting, and it was a sad thing to see. After an independent investigation, with a department in Phx that has nothing to do with Pima, found that Whitmire did things to endanger the town, did not perform his duties properly, insubordination and lying MULTIPLE times, the Council met in
    private, then came back with the Mayor frighteningly angry, and the others terrified and speechless. The Mayor was furious, and thanks to the courage of Councilor Rozzell and Vice-Mayor Lemen the other two joined in on the brave, proper vote. "

    Donna Griffith wrote on Nov 6, 2009 8:13 PM:

    " I'm not "related" to officer Whitmire, but on several occasions he has helped our family out tremendously!!!! Thanks Kieth for everything you did for us!!!! You are a good person and a good officer!!!! Everything happens for a reason. You will be just fine!!! Chin up and thanks again! "

    stone cold truth wrote on Nov 6, 2009 7:00 PM:

    " This does not make sense. Pima hired Shupe who was Fired by DPS. somthing about Character and Integrity and then Fired a man who was guilty of less. Rock on Pima!! "

    Ya wrote on Nov 6, 2009 6:37 PM:

    " Great job Pima for getting rid of Whitmire. Nothing worse than a dishonest cop. Now he needs to get kicked off fire dept. We don't need dishonest firefighters. "

    Kelly wrote on Nov 6, 2009 1:54 PM:

    " Congratulations Pima! Wish I could have been at the town council meeting to support you. Thats the best decision the town council has ever made! "

    Mike wrote on Nov 6, 2009 11:44 AM:

    " The best officers of Pima are the ones that are still on the payroll. Good job Pima and keep up the great work. We love you! Your gonna get trash talked on here but its just from the people who are related to the terminated officer. Keep your heads up. "

    Friendly Neighbor wrote on Nov 6, 2009 11:38 AM:

    " We have a lot of great officers in Graham County. They get in trouble, then they dig their own hole. He obviosly got let go for a reason. Quit blaming it all on Shupe or Chief... He went down and tried to bring everyone down with him.. What a joke he is!! "

    Public wrote on Nov 6, 2009 11:34 AM:

    " Here we go, of course the people who are already blogging are the family and friends of the terminated officer. I cant wait for the report to be public record. "

    Its about time wrote on Nov 6, 2009 11:32 AM:

    " Way to go Pima, Its about time you got rid of him! "

    HA wrote on Nov 6, 2009 9:24 AM:

    " I agree with "ME" on this one. The town of Pima, what a wonderful town, with corrupt cops and drug addicts galore. Gotta love it ;) "

    Me wrote on Nov 6, 2009 7:49 AM:

    " To Concerned Citizen

    WOW, if he is the best officer Pima has to offer, the Town of Pima is really in trouble. "

    Smith wrote on Nov 5, 2009 11:14 PM:

    " its not a glass house, its a temple "

    Frank wrote on Nov 5, 2009 11:10 PM:

    " Hurston,

    Get out while you can and don't complain to the Chief or Manger about Shupe. They will run to the town gossipers for a quick report and then terminate you too. Run Hurston Run! "

    concerned citizen wrote on Nov 5, 2009 10:43 PM:

    " Wow Pima just got rid of their best officer.. that's scary! I know Officer Whitmire to be a caring individual who worked hard for the town of Pima. He previously worked for Pima for 13 years even the Mayor knows he is good. I guess you make someone upset or threatened in Pima you will lose your job. Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones... "

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