911 board gives director warning
Loudon County Emergency Communications Board of
Directors has completed an investigation into alleged
governmental-issued cellphone misuse between E-911 Center Director
Jennifer Estes and Lenoir City Police Chief Don White, who is a
member of the board.
Loudon County Sheriff Tim Guider, who serves as 911
board chairman, said Estes has been given a verbal warning. The
board does not have authority on White’s phone, which is provided by
Lenoir City.
An investigation into the matter began around the
middle of January and concluded Feb. 13. Guider said he sought legal
advice from Loudon County Attorney Bob Bowman, who recommended the
warning.
“It’s two people that’s made a
mistake and they’ve owned up to it and apologized to the board and
assures that it won’t happen again,” Guider said. “To me it’s their
lives, you know.
“Now as far as any misuse, yes, there was misuse by
what was texted to Don,” Guider added. “Of course, both of them I
guess you could consider that they’re both 24/7 people, but as far
as regular hours there’s no evidence of that that I know of. ...
I’ve been assured it won’t (happen again). If it does, surely
stronger penalties and discipline will follow it up to and including
termination.”
An open records request regarding White’s cellphone
usage was sent Feb. 13 to Lenoir City Mayor Tony Aikens. The
Tennessee Open Records Act requires a response time within seven
days. Lenoir City Attorney Gregory Harrison, of Knoxville-based
Valliant & Harrison, said he would provide the requested records to
the News-Herald by no later than Thursday morning.
The 911 board meets at 1:30 p.m. the third Thursday of
every month at Loudon County E-911 Center at 500 John Parris Drive
in Loudon. The next meeting is scheduled for March 16.
“The district expects all employees and board members
to act in a professional manner,” a memorandum from Guider to Estes,
dated Feb. 13, said. “You have committed to members of the personnel
committee that you will act accordingly, and that you will lead this
organization in a professional manner as you have in the past.”
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3/6/17