By Dennis Brown

The suspension of a Vanceburg Police Officer for two days without pay will stand following a ruling by Vanceburg Mayor Angie Patton.

Patton returned her decision February 2 after reviewing the transcript of a public hearing held on the matter at the request of the officer. Hull was represented at the hearing by Vanceburg attorney Lloyd Spear.

Ryan Hull requested the hearing and answered questions concerning three incidents which were classified as insubordination by Patton and Vanceburg Police Chief Joe Billman.

Patton wrote that she had given considerable thought to the matter. “The cumulative evidence of these incidents shows a pattern of interpreting orders so that you do not have to follow them. This is insubordination, and I believe the discipline you received was appropriate. I see no reason to change my decision regarding the discipline given to you.”

During the hearing Spear outlined the three charges and questioned witnesses concerning the incidents and how the matters occurred.

Spear said an incident September concerned Hull’s failure to complete an incident report.

An incident in December was over the amount of time 

 officers spent at the 911 Dispatch Center. Another December incident, which prompted Hull’s suspension, was for his alleged failure to carry out a direct order by not getting a petition signed and returned to the Mayor’s Office by a certain time.

In her ruling Patton wrote that Hull “. . . failed to complete a report, you failed to obey an order not to spend excessive time in the dispatch office, and you failed to obtain a signature on a petition within the time clearly specified. In all three instances, you interpreted the orders rather than following them.”

During the hearing Spear said that Hull was anything but an insubordinate officer and that a set of circumstances had come together with the incidents brought to light which resulted in the disciplinary action being taken against him.

Spear said the two shift suspension without pay was “… much too harsh for what has occurred here.” He said Hull didn’t willfully disregard the orders given to him.

During the hearing City Attorney John Holder said that the evidence was clear. “There was an order in each and every instance and he (Hull) admitted the orders weren’t followed.”

He told Hull there was no doubt that he was a fine police officer. “It has to do with you being a compliant city employee. That’s what this is about,” he said.

A candidate for Lewis County Judge Executive has pulled out of the race citing health reasons for prompting his decision.

Tim Underwood announced Friday he is no longer a candidate for judge executive in the May Republican Primary.

“After considerable prayer and consulting with family, doctors, other pastors and preachers, as well as a brief stay in the hospital on January 30 and 31, the decision to not run for this position has been made," he said.

Underwood, who is currently Lewis County Jailer, didn’t elaborate on his health concerns. His term as jailer will end this December.

“I want to thank the citizens of Lewis County for their

 kindness and encouragement as I spoke with many of you in recent months concerning my running for Lewis County Judge Executive," Underwood said.

“Devoting more time to my wonderful family, the blessed church that Almighty God has graciously give me to pastor, my health, and the present position I hold as your elected jailer will be my focus for the time,” Underwood added.

"I humbly ask for your prayers and continued support as I will always keep the needs and concerns of Lewis County upon my heart," Underwood said.

Three candidates remain in the Republican Primary for judge executive; incumbent Steve Applegate, Bill Tom Cooper and Thomas H. Massie. The winner in the primary will face Anita M. Gilbert in the November General Election. Gilbert is unopposed in the Democratic Primary.