Town of Big Stone Gap seeking new police chief
September 2, 2010 | Virginia News
by GLENN GANNAWAY • Staff Writer
BIG STONE GAP — Town Manager Pat Murphy is in the process of finding a replacement for Police Chief Davey Horner, who has been unable to return to work following a work-related accident last March.
Murphy said Horner "experienced medical complications which necessitated a leave of absence. Due to medical reasons, Davey has been unable to return to fulfill his duties as police chief."
His last day was Aug. 16.
"They wanted to let me go because I wasn't able to do my job due to the wreck I had," Horner said Wednesday when contacted by phone. "Doctors would not let me go back to work, and they need a chief." Last March 12, Horner's police vehicle was rammed several times as he and other officers attempted to stop a man driving a stolen pick-up truck on U.S. 23 between Big Stone Gap and Norton. Frederick Wayne Brooks, then 41, of Big Stone Gap, is still facing attempted capital murder of an officer for ramming Horner's vehicle, as well as other charges, Police Lt. Mark Jones said Wednesday. Brooks was finally arrested through the efforts of Horner and his department with the assistance of Norton Police Department, Wise County Sheriff Department and the Virginia State Police. "I can't say enough good things about him," Murphy said of Horner last week. "He was a go-to guy, which means I could rely on him to get things done. I will certainly miss him as town manager, and I think everybody who works for the town will miss him as well. He was one of the bright spots when I came on board as town manager." From the point of view of town manager, Murphy said, "I thought the world of him as police chief, and I hate he's unable to return to work." Murphy said the town is in the early stages of a search for a new police chief. "I just hope the next chief does real good," said Horner. "Anything I could to help him or her, I'd be glad to do. Big Stone Gap is a good place to work and a good place to live." Horner, 58, became interim chief on Jan. 1, 2008, replacing retiring Chief Larry Mohn. Horner was promoted to chief in June 2008. A former Westmoreland Coal Co. supervisor, Horner enrolled at Southwest Law Enforcement Academy after the coal company shut down in September 1995. After completing his courses at the academy, Horner worked for the Coeburn Police Department for six months before joining the Big Stone force as a patrolman. He later became an investigator.Next entry: Jenkins Named Culpeper Police Chief
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