Sheriff Denies Transfer of Long Time Patrol Deputy to Jail Duties a Result of Politics

Sebastian County Sheriff Frank Atkinson denied Friday that politics was involved in the transfer of one patrol deputy to the jail and the promotion of another patrol deputy to sergeant. Cpl. John Miller was informed Thursday that he would report to the Adult Detention Center on Monday, said Chief Deputy Tom Young. Miller made comments about the department on the social networking page of William Hollenbeck. Hollenbeck, who is on a leave of absence from the Sheriff’s Office, announced last month he is running for Sebastian County Sheriff. Another patrol deputy, Cpl. Jackie Davis, who supports Sheriff Frank Atkinson and is listed as the administrator for Atkinson’s Facebook page, has been promoted to sergeant. Davis takes on a new sergeant’s position because the department is moving to 12-hour shifts, temporarily, Atkinson said. Atkinson said the transfer and promotion are not related to politics. Neither position will have an increase or decrease in salary, he said. Asked about a political motive, Atkinson said, “That’s entirely incorrect. That’s what they are trying to make it look like.” Atkinson added that there are other officers in the department who support Hollenbeck, and the sheriff is not taking their pay away and giving it to his supporters. “I am not going to play politics with this man,” Atkinson said. “I have never had any other opponent do the things he’s been doing. It’s getting old, real quick.” Miller of Greenwood has worked for the Sheriff’s Office since August 2001. He is the only officer trained in accident reconstruction, Young said. Miller will keep his take-home vehicle because he will still be called out to work vehicle accidents when there is a fatality or a life-threatening injury. Administrators at the Sheriff’s Office objected to a comment Miller posted at 4:51 a.m. Wednesday on the “Bill Hollenbeck for Sheriff” Facebook page.

[Make it Simple]

I have always been a huge supporter of Frank Atkinson until now. I can not believe that an officer can be demoted just because he supports someone else for his boss. I have changed my voting decision.

[Sunshine]

Not political....? Really?

[yourkiddingme]

So, he was off duty at home, which is fact. Has his freedom of speech been infringed upon? His statement was his opinion, and he is entitled to that! I have now changed my mind about Frank also. I will support Bill Hollenbeck and proudly campaign for him! By the way, the new Sgt. is worthy of the stripe, but he is the biggest in-house campaigner for Atkinson. Some of the deputies have been there longer than him, and some of them deserved a promotion as well!!!!!!!!!

[Constitution Believer]

Ok lets get this straight.Officer Miller can "off duty" support anyone including Holenbeck.But he is told he is never off duty. What kind of double talk is that? Those officers are sworn to uphold the law and the constitution of the United States. But Atkninson and his right hand man are squashing the 1st ammendment of the constitution "Freedom of speech".Sounds like its time for him to retire. At least that is what everyone is saying.

[Make it Simple]

I guess this is all over and the sheriff decided to let mr Miller back out on the streets. I still think that Hollenbeck would be a better choice.

[Chastain]

I think word of the attorneys that contacted Mr. Miller is what led to him being put back on the street. He got spanked (transferred to the jail)for speaking out about his choice for sheriff and now that they (current sheriff atkinson) realize that his 1st Amendment right to freedom of speech was stomped all over, he has now been un-spanked and transferred back to patrol. Seems if they would have just left well enough alone, they wouldn't be bringing all this negative attention to themselves!
Sometimes, in rare instances, honesty takes a back seat to common decency! Do the right thing for once!

[Embarrassed]

From all the escapes to all the bad publicity, as well as what he did to the deputy who was supporting Hollenbeck, the Sheriff has exceeded and far surpassed anyone in Greenwood politics. In the joke factor rating. He is now a ten...Besides from what everybody is saying he cant send his whole department to the jail.

[oops]

Time for him to Go! Cant wait for all the other stuff I hear about him and his antics to come out. Sounds like he let that department fall apart. Looks like he really stepped into it this time.