Crime & Safety

Lilburn Police Chief John Davidson Fired

"There were some issues we couldn't overcome," the city manager said

Lilburn Police Chief John Davidson has been fired by the City of Lilburn, the city manager confirmed this afternoon.

"John was terminated, effective yesterday [Monday] from employment with the city," Bill Johnsa said.

Johnsa, who made the decision, said he was concerned about the "direction, and the performance and morale of the department," which were "short of expectations."

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Johnsa would not elaborate on the specific reasons for termination, calling it a "personnel matter," but said, "There were some issues we couldn't overcome."

See pdf of press release attached to this file.

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Davidson, 54, who came to Lilburn in February 2006, has retained counsel. He could not be reached Tuesday, but his wife Carmen sent Lilburn Patch the following email:

“On Friday, February 25, 2011 John was called to Bill Johnsa's office and told he needed to resign or be terminated. By mutual agreement the deadline for a decision was set for Monday, Feb. 28, 2011. John submitted a memorandum to Mr. Johnsa declining his request that John resign. Late yesterday [Monday] afternoon John received an e-mail from Mr. Johnsa with a notice of termination attached. Due to the sensitive nature of this matter I ask that you seek further comment from John's attorney, Michael Caldwell (Delong, Caldwell, Bridges & Fitzpatrick) in Atlanta.”

Johnsa said Deputy Chief Bruce Hedley has been appointed interim chief until a decision is made on Davidson's replacement.

Hedley said Tuesday afternoon, “At this point, I’m going to try to move the department forward,” until a replacement is named. “They asked me to do it, so I’m going to do it.”

Davidson’s dismissal sparked surprise by residents, some of whom shared the news via strings of emails.

Thor Johnson, president of SafetySmart Lilburn, a non-profit that aims to connect residents on safety issues, said Davidson has been instrumental in building neighborhood watch efforts in Greater Lilburn.

“In my view, the city has truly made a horrible decision,” Johnson said in a phone interview Tuesday.

The Lilburn Police Department has 28 sworn-in officers, according to its website.


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