OILTON — Citizens of Oilton flooded social media after hearing Oilton Police Chief John Hefley had been fired on Oct. 1 and returned to the keyboard after Hefley announced his intention to resign only a couple days later.
The tension among Oilton citizens and leadership has been palpable for a number of months as controversies continue to mount. The most recent situation began when reports that the mayor had unilaterally terminated Hefley from his position as Oilton police chief began to circulate on social media.
In response, the City of Oilton issued an official statement through legal representative Seth Tidwell, clarifying that Hefley had not been fired but was suspended pending an internal review.
“The City of Oilton cannot comment in detail on ongoing employment matters,” the statement read, citing Oklahoma law. “Chief Hefley is suspended from his duties... while the city assesses his continued employment status.”
The statement continues by stating the city attorney, Tidwell, had been directed to investigate operations at the police department, with findings to be reported at the city council meeting scheduled for Oct. 14.
During this time, council members expressed concern over how the matter had been handled — particularly the lack of council involvement. Councilman Ry Hollingsworth pointed to city ordinance, which states that the police chief can only be appointed or removed by the mayor with council approval.
“The mayor cannot simply fire the chief by decree,” Hollingsworth said. “Any removal must be approved by the council…I have found out about the police chief firing thru Facebook I had no knowledge of the firing before it happened.”
Council member Brian Barton said he was blindsided by the news as well.
“As a council member, I have received no explanation for why action was taken against Chief Hefley,” he said. “It is strange that the chief who was on an improvement plan was removed so quickly.”
The city’s handling of the matter sparked frustration and uncertainty in the community. In the days that followed. Hefley confirmed he formally submitted his resignation to the city clerk ending his tenure with a message of gratitude posted to Facebook.
“I want nothing but the best for the town and the citizens,” Hefley wrote. “Please give the new chief a chance and help the town heal. It was a great honor and pleasure to serve.”
The city emphasized that the police department remains fully staffed and operational, and urged citizens to attend the Oct. 14 council meeting to express their views.