Eastport police chief terminated from position

Eastport Police Chief Dale Earle was terminated from his position on October 20, just 10 days after returning to work following his being on medical leave for two and a half months.
Earle states that City Manager Elaine Abbott "relieved me of my duties, pending a council hearing." He says that on the advice of his attorney he cannot comment more about the matter at this time.
According to Eastport City Council President Gilbert Murphy, Earle has 15 days from the date of termination to notify the city that he would like a hearing with the council. Murphy says he cannot comment on the reasons for the termination, and Abbott states, "It's a personnel matter that I can't discuss." Murphy notes that while, per the city charter, the police chief can be hired only with the consent of the city council, the council does not need to approve the termination.
Earle has been police chief for two years, having had his appointment approved by a 3-2 vote of the council on October 14, 2015. He replaced Frances LaCoute, who had resigned in September that year, after having served as chief since February. Since Matt Vinson resigned in March 2011 the city has had six police chiefs over the six and a half year period. Earle is the only one to have been fired.

Acting chief named
Following Earle's immediate termination, officer Mark Emery has been acting chief. If a current police officer for the city is not appointed to be chief, the city will have to advertise the position, Murphy notes.
Earlier this month, on October 3, Emery, who also had been acting chief during Earle's medical leave, had submitted his resignation, which is to be effective November 3. He has been accepted for a position with the Baileyville Police Department.
City Manager Abbott notes that Emery has been an officer in Eastport for 22 years, including for a period as police chief, and he told her that he needed a change. "The city is very sorry to see Mark leave," she says. "He's been a tremendous asset to the police department, and Baileyville is very lucky to get him."
Along with Emery, the Eastport department includes full-time officers David Chapais and Caela Fenderson, with one of the reserve officers, Michael Donahe, filling in for many shifts recently. Abbott expects the city will advertise for another full-time officer. She says coverage is being provided 24/7 and notes, "It's business as usual for the department."