By Ray King
The Pine Bluff Fraternal Order of Police in a press release Thursday, said they have “chosen to take the high road” in their dispute with Mayor Shirley Washington.
The FOP has been squabbling with the Mayor since she showed up at the scene of a homicide at 3101 Lilac St. on Sept. 3 and allegedly pushed a police officer, Sgt. Lynn Wright. Washington said later that she did not remember pushing Wright or anyone else but during a meeting with Bill Wiegand, President of the FOP and other officers, apologized to Wright during a phone call.
The press release said the FOP met Wednesday and said “we stand by our statements to the media. Officers, citizens on scene and an audio recording from our meeting with Mayor Washington back what we have said. What we can’t do is compel Mayor Washington to more fully acknowledge her missteps.”
The press release, which was signed by Wiegand, went on to say “Our focus will continue to be on the community and the citizens we proudly serve. We’ll hold our heads high and serve to the best of our ability. We thank each and every one of you who have stood with us during this time as well as your support through the years. It hasn’t gone unnoticed.”
“The citizens of Pine Bluff and officers with the Pine Bluff Police Department have always had a relationship other cities could only dream of,” the release said. “We look forward to continuing this and working to make Pine Bluff better and safer for everyone.:
