Rally For Fountain Police Chief
FOUNTAIN – Tempers flare among honks and signs.
Acrowd of 50 gathered to rally in support of Police Chief Charles Crawford Tuesday evening. The rally was organized by the Colorado Fraternal Order of Police, which kicked off one hour before the city council meeting.
Chief Crawford was put on paid administrative leave more than a week ago, an action taken by Fountain’s city manager, Scott Trainor. It’s not known when or if Crawford will return. Police Deputy Mike Burnett has taken over Crawford’s responsibilities.
Fountain is no stranger to turnover. The city has seen four police chiefs and eight deputy chiefs come through in the last 16 years.
“He’s the best police chief we’ve had in six years. We want him back, and we want him back now,” said Carol Little.
Drivers in the street, chime in, honking their horns.
Not everyone’s in support of the chief, though.
“Common sense tells me if someone gets put on administrative leave, you should find out the reason why before you support him, because it could be a pretty bad thing,” said a bystander, not participating in the rally.
The city has kept tight-lipped on the issue.
“City council cannot comment on a personnel issue,” said Mayor Jeri Howells.
The city has said Crawford’s leave does not involve anything criminal in nature.
The Fraternal Order of Police is also paying for Chief Crawford’s legal representation.
Crawford has been the Chief of Police for just over three years. The city manager who’s responsible for putting him on paid administrative leave has been employed by the city going on three months.
