Fired police chief pondering appeal

Jerry Clayton, Sarcoxie police chief for the past three years, on Friday said he might appeal his firing earlier this week.

[Concerned Citizen]

Residents around Sarcoxie should be asked what they think. Before Clayton was even hired as a police chief several citizens had called and voiced their concerns on him being our chief but he was hired anyway. Citizens have been concerned since day one. He does not represent a "police chief"! We need someone to represent our town, be a people person and be there for the kids. I place our old police chief pretty high on a pedestal and that was Jeremy Caddick. He was there for the kids and everyone loved him. You didn't see him hanging out at parties, driving his kids or wife around in the police cars, hanging out at the bar in uniform drinking not just "singing occasionally" but all the time. Always seen talking to young teenage girls, pulled in the parking lot of the school in the a.m. talking to teenage girls instead of watching the traffic. Speeding up and down the road on a motorcycle. Kids look up to the police and the residents look up to the police. We are a small town and we see and know everything. Some of us have lived here all of our lives and out town deserves someone who is friendly and someone the kids trust.

[Offended Citizen]

I also agree that citizens should be asked what they think, not just his friends and family members. Very little of the Sarcoxie citizens have respect for Mr. Clayton because of his conduct off and on duty. I have witnessed his behaviors in bars and I lost all respect for him. I have lived in Sarcoxie my whole life and it went downhill when Mr. Clayton became chief. Maybe questions should be asked why he had to leave his last job in Dade County. It offends me that he can lie so easily on TV about what happened at the bar. His lie about not doing anything at the bars proves that he can lie to anyone if it is in his best interests. How can he be trusted after making false statements?

[Concerned]

Yeah, what did happen at his previous job. Mr. Clayton is good at making those believe what he wants them to believe but there are those who are not his family, nor his friend and Mr. Clayton we have seen you be very inappropriate and you know that you have. Don't let the uniform fool you...he is not innocent!

[Mister Scott]

I have been following this story closely, and I have come to believe that the actions are against Police Chief Jerry Clayton are suspiciously unfounded, and no evidence supports the claims against him. Also, it appears that the Sarcoxie mayor Don Tripplet was too fast in his decision to fire Mr. Clayton, and was fool-hearty in acting on mere rumors. An honost and honorable public servant may have just lost his position as Chief of Police, as well as his career in Law Enforcement due to just mere rumors. He wasn't given the right to defend himself, and he wasn't allowed to face his accused... all of which are his constitutional rights, and what I would have expected to be given to an officer of the law, no matter the circumstances.
...
How terribly sad. I for one support Jerry Clayton in his attempt to find his and his family's name cleared, and hope to see justice served correctly and appropriately.

[Former Officer]

I used to work for Jerry Clayton as one of Sarcoxie's Police Officers. I have to say he did not impress me as a very good supervisor. I heard on more than one occasion of questionable activities he was "allegedly" involved in. After leaving my job with the city of Sarcoxie, I continued hearing those stories from other people who seemed more familiar with Jarry and his friends in and around Sarcoxie. He made it impossible to do my job according to the law as did his boss.

[Former Officer]

I used to work for Jerry Clayton as one of Sarcoxie's Police Officers. I have to say he did not impress me as a very good supervisor. I heard on more than one occasion of questionable activities he was "allegedly" involved in. After leaving my job with the city of Sarcoxie, I continued hearing those stories from other people who seemed more familiar with Jerry and his friends in and around Sarcoxie. He made it impossible to do my job according to the law as did his boss. As for the City and its residents. I enjoyed working there and got along with most if not all of the people who lived in and arround the city. I have applied for the Job as Chief of Police but I don't expect to be given the chance to serve.

[Concerned]

You have mentioned that " you heard on one or more occasion of questionable activities he was "allegedly invoved in" that is the key "allegedly". Since you say you have worked in Sarcoxie as a officer, you should know and understand that there are many people in that town who make up things when they are angry. You also mention you have applied for the chief position but don't think you will be considered, Is there something in you past you are worried about. You seem to be able to point the finger at Mr. Clayton and judge him.

Former Officer wrote:

I used to work for Jerry Clayton as one of Sarcoxie's Police Officers. I have to say he did not impress me as a very good supervisor. I heard on more than one occasion of questionable activities he was "allegedly" involved in. After leaving my job with the city of Sarcoxie, I continued hearing those stories from other people who seemed more familiar with Jerry and his friends in and around Sarcoxie. He made it impossible to do my job according to the law as did his boss. As for the City and its residents. I enjoyed working there and got along with most if not all of the people who lived in and arround the city. I have applied for the Job as Chief of Police but I don't expect to be given the chance to serve.

[former citizen]

this is to "former officer":
you make judgements on a man who served the town of sarcoxie well. any time i had a problem, no matter how large or small he found some way to help. look at your record and tell me you are the most honorable of police officers.

[Silent Bob7]

Oh man, I would send my resume for that job but I seriously doubt that it is worth moving to Missouri for - salary probably in the 40Ks - a tiny town like Sarcoxie cannot afford to pay much. You guys would not like me anyway because I would clean up up all of the riff-raff there. I would go on a "redneck rampage". LOL

I don't know anything about Jerry Clayton but he sounds like an idiot to me. When you take a position like that you have to give up things like "karaoke night" and drinking at the local bar, regardless if you can behave or not. It is simply bad business and always opens you up for "alleged improprieties" just like what happened. When he pops in the neighborhood bar he needs to be cold sober and "on duty mode" - maybe have a coffee - because for all practical purposes he is the town "boss" and needs to act like it.

If he really had to party he should have gone to Springfield to an obscure club, and his so-called "friends" should have given him that advise. A hard lesson for this guy to learn and probably the last chief position he ever gets.

[former citizen]

I didn't know you had to give up your life when you become a police officer!! Come on people are you living in the stone age? What their not allowed to drink or go to bars in their off time, are you people serious??? Where I come from you're allowed to have a life even when you are a police officer...

[Silent Bob7]

former citizen wrote:

I didn't know you had to give up your life when you become a police officer!! Come on people are you living in the stone age? What their not allowed to drink or go to bars in their off time, are you people serious??? Where I come from you're allowed to have a life even when you are a police officer...

I agree that it is sad, but true in America. Americans love to find fault and scrutinize their public officials and "scandal watch" is a national pastime in the USA. Police officers are not the only ones - also school teachers and other visible public figures such as Mayors, City Counsel, etc. Not only does having a beer at the local pub open you up to controversy but God help you if you post pictures of yourself partying on your Facebook page! It is strange that our society would be like that in the 21st century, but that is the way it is. If you are a police officer you will be placed under the public magnifying glass, so think of this before you "raise your glass".'-)

[GOOD OLE JERRY]

I know Clayton.....I also know that going to a bar and handing out mardi gras beads to see breast is a common practice of his....
I also know details about why he lost his job in Dade County....
Wonder if someone gave his wife and him a drug test if they would pass it. HMMMMMM
Sarcoxie is better off without him in control.

[former citizen]

Mardi Gras beads...well, if the women weren't willing...but, sounds like they were more than willing! Let me guess, you're another hypocritical bible thumper...never did anything racy in your life..