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New Chief Introduced at Press Conference
For
you by Art Harvath, Submariner, Linguist, HNN Correspondent
Mayor David Felinton introduced Huntington’s new police chief
Friday during a press conference at the mayors’ conference room at
City Hall.
Arthur E. ‘Gene’ Baumgardner was sworn in Thursday, about an
hour after Felinton fired Gordon Ramey from the position.
During the conference the mayor was asked some pointed questions about
his reasons for Ramey’s firing. He was asked several times if the
recent Fraternal Order of Police billboard advertisement had anything
to do with it. The FOP has put up three billboard ads urging citizens
to call city hall to express their concerns about the layoffs.
“It was not in retaliation because of the billboards,” said
Felinton. “The decision was made several days before the ads appeared.
It’s a general lack of confidence, especially over the last few months.”
Felinton said he has had too many reports of police officers telling citizens
that after July 1st nothing but the most serious crimes will be investigated.
He added that this is scaring the citizens.
Baumgardner, a retired state police captain, said he was “overwhelmed
of the privilege that has been granted to me.”
“I will work with every ounce of my strength to give a better sense
of security in this community,” said Baumgardner.
The new chief says he will familiarize himself with the staff and the
department and start meeting the officers one-on-one before he makes any
changes.
“Reorganization will have to happen. That will be my first move,”
said Baumgardner. “I have some good plans, but I need to make my
assessments before I take any action.”
When asked his opinion about the effects of the impending layoff of police
officers Baumgardner said “anytime you have layoffs it impacts in
a negative way.”
Concerning the possible lack of manpower in investigating burglaries and
other not-so-serious crimes after the July 1st layoffs he said “I
can’t imagine any policeman who would not investigate any crime….these
officers have too much pride to let the public down.”
He said being Huntington’s police chief has been his lifelong goal.
Baumgardner’s father was a Huntington policeman, and he said he has
great memories of coming down to city hall when the city jail was in the
basement. “I know every inch of this building, from top to bottom,”
he said.
Baumgardner plans to be assessable to anyone during his tenure, police
and public alike.
“My door will always be open to anybody who wants to talk to me.”
