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EDITORIAL: Line crossed in JPD party response

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BACKELANT

EDITORIAL: Line crossed in JPD party response

Posted by
Mike Buffington
in Opinions
Thursday, August 14. 2008
Comments (242)
What’s really going on at the Jefferson Police Department? That’s often difficult to figure out given the secretive nature of its egocentric leadership.

Both Chief Joe Wirthman and his sidekick, assistant chief Gus Backelant, rule with iron fists and broker no dissent.

That leadership by intimidation creates a lot of questionable JPD decisions and fuels numerous rumors.

The JPD is a public agency, the largest in the City of Jefferson with a $1.7 million taxpayer-funded budget. What it does, how its officers act and its internal problems are all of legitimate public interest.

Yet Wirthman and Backelant run the department like a private fiefdom. The response to complaints about a recent police party at Backelant’s house is a case in point.

On the night of Aug. 1, the JPD held its annual party at Backelant’s home on Thornhill Circle in Jefferson. Spouses and children attended, along with off-duty officers. According to city manager John Ward, it was a “nice family event where employees were able to get together and socialize away from work.” He said the only noise from the party came from children playing in the pool and adults laughing.

But two callers to the Jackson County 911 center that night and others who were in the neighborhood paint a different picture.

At 8:18 p.m. that evening, the Jackson County 911 Center received a phone call from a man complaining about the party. He said he and his wife had been out walking and passed by 187 Thornhill Circle where they said people were outside “raising sand, whooping and hollering and carrying on.” He said the group “looked about drunk” and that cars were parked along the subdivision street on both sides, including police cars. (See first call report here)

The man suggested that someone look into the matter, but refused to give his name.

JPD officer Darrell Johnson was subsequently dispatched by 911 to Backelant’s house. He arrived at 8:27 p.m. and left within two minutes.

At 8:42 p.m., a second call came into the 911 Center about the party. The person on this call said officers were “partying and urinating in public and still being too loud,” according to the 911 report. (See second call report here)

This time, JPD officer James McNatt was dispatched to the scene. McNatt asked the dispatcher who the call came from and speculated that it must have come from former JPD chief Darren Glenn, who lives in the same subdivision. (Glenn said he wasn’t at home at the time and that he had nothing to do with the calls.)

After McNatt arrived at the party, officer Johnson radioed back to the 911 Center at 8:54 p.m. and told the dispatcher he had been instructed by Wirthman that no JPD officer would respond to any further complaints about the party unless the person calling agreed to meet with an officer.

The 911 dispatcher said that decision was up to the JPD, but that any further complaints would have to be dispatched anyway.

No other calls came into 911 that night, but one neighbor said he later saw two people who appeared intoxicated leave the party, stopping a short distance away to throw up in the street.

There are a couple of questions about this event, but the main concern is Wirthman’s demand that anyone complaining about the party had to meet with officers or otherwise, calls to 911 would be ignored.

Clearly, Wirthman crossed a line with such a command. Officers often respond to such complaints without asking to meet with the person who called. Wirthman’s demand was an effort to intimidate the callers simply because it was his department being complained about.

Few would begrudge officers letting their hair down for a few hours at a party. But the holding of a large police party that apparently included some rather heavy drinking in a high-profile subdivision makes one wonder about the wisdom of the department’s leadership.

And it begs this question: If a similar party had been held by someone else and received 911 complaints about noise and people urinating in public, would Wirthman and the JPD have been so dismissive of the complaints?

Does the chief believe his department is above the law?
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#1 Jefferson Resident on 08/14/08, 08:26 PM
I am ashamed to be a resident of this city with such a lousy newspaper editor. If this is all you can come up to put in your paper to make a dollar, you might should think about another profession like printing a tabloid. You make all these accusations toward the Jefferson Police Department without knowing the facts. In all the years I have lived in Jefferson all you do is bring negativity to the community. Will you ever say anything positive about Jefferson Police Department like you do your friends at the Sheriff's Office? I know of numerous issues at the Jackson County Sheriff's Office yet I never read about it in your so called newspaper.It's really easy for you to sit there and write all this negative "news". Try doing the job that Police Officers have to do with people like you who always second guess every move they make, every decision they make, while trying to stay safe so they can support their families on the salary they are paid. You would last about three minutes as a Police Officer. You can be assured that the professional Police Officers of this city will protect and serve every citizen including yourself as the need arises.
#1.1 Resident # 2 on 08/15/08, 08:08 AM
My friends inside the police department told me that the Chief's Side kick was going to write that above comment. Keep up the good work Jackson Herald. I also heard about a off duty jefferson officer getting pulled over for DUI within jefferson and was just given a ride home. Would that happen to any regular citizen. And by the way appearently the Jefferson police department will protect and serve as long as it does not interrupt their drinking and partying.
#1.1.1 concerned citizen on 08/17/08, 10:50 PM
Jefferson cops were probably partying with the proceeds from the speed traps they operate.
#1.2 Anonymous on 08/15/08, 08:25 PM
I'd be careful there G.B. that sounds like a threat on Mr. Buffington, you would hate for him to call the Sheriff's office on you after all you have writing about them on here!
#1.3 Chris Chapman (Homepage) on 08/22/08, 09:08 PM
I just did not want Mike Buffington to be the only who is willing to sign his name to his comments.

Chris Chapman
#2 hardee on 08/15/08, 01:10 AM
This is quite the stupid story to write in a newspaper. Shouldn't a newspaper report on news? This is just a personal vendetta, egotistical ranting by someone with nothing better to do. You know...exposing Tim Madison was a good thing. But just because Madison was doing wrong doesn't mean everyone else in authority is. Lay off the Jefferson PD and the Chief and give the citizens news that will help their lives, not sadden them about the juvenile behavior of a newspaper editor.
#2.1 Mike Buffington on 08/15/08, 09:18 AM
Hmmm. Let me see if I understand your point: Two people call 911 to complain about noise and "public urination" at police party being held at the home of a Jefferson police official. Residents living in the subdivision tell us they see intoxicated people leaving the party and one of them throws up in the street. The 911 tapes record a directive from the police chief to not respond to any additional calls to the party. And all of that is just the "ranting" of a newspaper editor? I didn't make it up. It's recorded in the public record. If it'd been my house or your house that generated 911 calls from a party, I suspect JPD leaders would have treated the situation differently.
Maybe the truth hurts?
Mike Buffington, editor
#2.1.1 Jefferson #8 on 08/20/08, 11:00 AM
I was informed that the 911 caller identified himself as
Dr. Kevin Smith and this should be on the tapes as well;
has anyone asked Dr Smith about his call to 911?
#2.2 JAUTRY on 08/15/08, 10:17 AM
Welcome to the world of free journalism. This story is called an editorial, look it up. It basically means the Editor's opinion, which, like it or not he is entitled to. Unfortunately for you Mike Buffington is more enlightened than you give him credit for. His opinions seem to prove theirselves out more often than not. Also, like it or not the JPD has set itself up to be under the microscope with the autocratic approach taken by it's chief and his Sidekick. Speaking of the Sidekick, if he did write the first comment he might be well advised to spend that time and effort getting certified in the State of Georgia, unless that has been done and we haven't been made aware! I understand that his 20+ years of police work and fine assortment of degrees are formidable, but they lose some of their impression if he's not qualified to serve in the position he is in.
#3 Kathy W on 08/15/08, 09:20 AM
Say what you will about Mike, but are any of you trying to tell me that he is not asking a legitimate question? Why should the police EVER be allowed to tell 911 dispatchers not to call on them? Why should they EVER be allowed not to respond? It's for the courts to decide later if a citizen has abused the system. It is the JOB of police officers to respond to calls about disturbances of the peace, and all manner of other situations.
I hold Police Officers and Firefighters in the very highest regard because they generally deserve it. But over-stepping boundaries that your average Jefferson Joe doesn't get the chance to do is plain wrong.
And it doesn't have anything to do with whether Mike decided to write about it or not. If he hadn't, would that make it okay?
#4 Eric Nicolaus on 08/15/08, 09:59 AM
Mike Buffington
Editor, The Jackson Herald

Mike:

The anonymous accusations made in the first '911 CAD incident' concerning: "raising sand, whooping and hollering and carrying on" at 8:18pm, 1 August 2008, at 187 Thornhill Circle simply do not hold water. I was outside my home and walking my dog down Melvin and Thornhill Circle when the first 911 CAD incident report was apparently made. What I saw and heard does not corroborate what the anonymous caller apparently grossly exaggerated or spoke untruthfully about. To me, it looked like a typical innocuous gathering of friends and/or coworkers that included a number of children swimming in the backyard pool. When I again went outside later that night with my dog at around 9:30pm, the vehicles that had previously been parked on the street for the gathering were gone.

Best regards,

Eric A. Nicolaus
Arabian / Persian Gulf Veteran (1999 - 2001)
#4.1 Bubba on 08/15/08, 12:54 PM
Someone tell Lawrence of Arabia to ease up. It's one thing to post a comment, but yet another to accuse someone of lying. Although it's possible I doubt someone would take a chance on faking a 911 call over such a high profile matter. I'm sure that if dispatch really wanted to know who placed the call they could find out. Phone services have advanced some since Sarah had to ring up Floyd for Andy!
#4.1.1 Eric Nicolaus on 08/15/08, 02:55 PM
Hi Bubba! I guess you must have skipped over the first 9-1-1 incident log - the one in which I discuss above. Mike Buffington did post the incident log - above again as an attahment. BTW: Don't go paranoid on us - I'm sure Mike Buffington and the 9-1-1 center did not "doctor" the incident log. No phone number, no address, only the name "Mr. Refused". Somehow, I have the feeling that even if the name wasn't "Mr. Refused", it would turn out to be "Mr. Not My Real Name" if anyone actually checked.

Regards,

Eric
#4.1.1.1 Bubba on 08/15/08, 06:21 PM
You always seem to write a lot in this paper about things you know nothing about. Another thing is you always put a title after your name like that makes everyone believe you more.. seems like you have the look at me trophy complex. There are many brave men and women who have served and still serve in the ARMED FORCES for years but do go around telling everyone to get the discount or to draw attention to them. BUT YOU GO RIGHT AHEAD IF YOU FEEL BETTER DOING IT!
#4.2 Lifelong resident on 08/15/08, 03:59 PM
Well maybe you were not there the entire time or maybe your friends with Mr.Gus but it's clear your very bias and can't accept what another person saw. I doubt your very popular in that sub-division either. The thing is no one would know what was going on if the police don't respond but a REAL police officer would know this.(which he's not)
#4.3 Eric on 08/15/08, 05:27 PM
you sound like your a legend in your own mind!!
#5 Jefferson Resident on 08/15/08, 12:35 PM
Wow, a response from someone who was there that is not afraid to give their name and knows that the incident was not what the "anonymous" callers were stating. I'd believe what someone who was there and is not afraid to give their name says over an anonymous caller says any day. If you want to see someone who rules with iron fists and brokers no dissent, cusses employees out every single day, then you should look at the sheriff and his second in command. Ask any former employee. Heck ask any current employee. Employees are not anything but slaves for them.
#5.1 Mr. Rogers on 08/15/08, 08:19 PM
who said he was there...oh yea he did....
#6 JAUTRY on 08/15/08, 02:10 PM
Great comment Mr Jefferson Resident. Seems I managed to miss your name!
#6.1 Not a JPD officer or command staff on 08/15/08, 08:21 PM
You all do realize that the chief of police and his minor...oops I mean major are placing some of the pro-police anti buffington comments on this site. No I wont give my name because that would give away who is providing me the information from within the police department. News flash behind closed doors most of the officers and staff at JPD can not wait for the day they will be free of the wirthman and backelant comedy show.
#6.1.1 the real j autry on 08/15/08, 10:05 PM
Well, if you know so much, dont be a COWARD, reveal your identity.
#6.1.1.1 JAUTRY on 08/16/08, 12:06 PM
You have a lot of nerve, or lack of, to call somebody a coward while you're hiding behind my name. Punk!
#7 the real j autry on 08/15/08, 06:39 PM
First of all, Mike Buffington is an absolute idiot. And yes I am allowed my opinion just like you Mr. Buffington. Second of all, Mr. Buffington is known to take pieces of the puzzle, so to speak, and put this big, fantasy story together about what he thinks or wants to have happened. That is why he hides these stories in his "opinions page" instead of on the "news" page. Lastly, I am proud to live in a community where "breaking news" is about what happened at a party on Thornhill Circle. My family and I feel safe going to bed at night knowing that this type of news is so important.
#7.1 Mike Buffingtn on 08/15/08, 09:47 PM
I'm not sure I follow your thoughts here. Please explain where we made anything up to create a "fantasy" story. The 911 calls were real and Chief Wirthman's questionable response was real, I listened to the 911 tape. And we had someone in the neighborhood call us to say they saw the apparently intoxicated person vomit in the street. I don't know if all these people just made all that up or not. But it's part of the record and we wrote about it. So please, point out for me the fantasy you find in this article.
Mike Buffington, editor
#8 the real j autry on 08/15/08, 09:54 PM
Were you there Mr. Buffington? Did you see these things with your own eyes? I would say probably not. So therefore, your story was written based on what you heard. Correct me if I am wrong, but this town is known for its exageration of things. So, if you didn't see it, SHUT UP!
#8.1 Mike Buffingtn on 08/15/08, 10:39 PM
Interesting. So I shouldn't write about things that I don't actually see. OK, I'll do that if the JPD and other police departments won't respond to calls they don't actually see and won't arrest people for crimes the police don't themselves witness. Gee, I wonder how long our judicial system would last if those were the parameters cops had to follow. I have a question: Did you witness the party in question? Were you there? If so, please enlighten us as an eye witness of what really happened.
#8.1.1 Eruc A. Nicolaus on 08/16/08, 04:56 AM
Mike Buffington
Editor, The Jackson Herald

Dear Mike:

I contacted several of my neighbors who live directly next to and across from the gathering that resulted in your editorial: "Page 4A, The Jackson Herald, 13 August 2008 - "Line Crossed in JPD Party Response"." One of the neighbors living directly next to the gathering actually saw portions of the party from his backyard. He has forwarded his comments to you - directly - via email. He was also kind enough to forward me a copy if you need it. I assume you will post his comments verbatim on your website and in your paper. They describe a much different view then what you printed in your editorial. It is becoming evident that the editorial you wrote is at best based on information that is highly suspect. There are now two eye witnesses, with real names, to the gathering who have stated that the anonymous information passed to the 911 operator was contradictory, at best.

Best regards,

Eric A. Nicolaus
Arabian / Persian Gulf Veteran (1999 - 2001)
Disabled Veteran
#8.1.1.1 Mike Buffington on 08/16/08, 07:45 AM
I did receive an email from a neighbor and will be happy to print it. They're welcome to also post comments here as well.
Mike
#8.1.1.2 Big Dave on 08/19/08, 01:47 PM
Is the Major certified in another State? If not allowing a person to operate a vehicle with blue lights is against the law. Sounds like the Fox Five Eye Team needs to get involved. Is there anyone else not certified driving a vehicle with blue lights?
#8.1.2 Jefferson #8 on 08/20/08, 01:56 PM
I can't believe you finally made a comment that was
totally obsurd and obviously senseless. Don't put
yourself in the same classification as a police officer.
There is absolutely no comparison in the scenerio you
provided. I believe when you write statements without
an eyewitness it is call "defamation", or even "Slander".
I'm not sure but aren't there laws against that?
#8.1.3 Brent on 08/20/08, 05:19 PM
Yeah, but the police do something called "investigate". YOU DONT MR> BUFFINGTON.
#8.2 JAUTRY on 08/16/08, 10:04 AM
"the real j autry" apparantly lacks enough imagination to come up with their own name. J Autry is actually my first initial and last name. My email address has been provided with every comment I have posted, so, pretender, you may think your fooling some people, but any who cares knows that you probably wouldn't make a pimple on a real man's Butt. Pick a name more suited to a dweeb like yourself. Maybe Penelope or Hazel!
For those who may be fooled by you, any comment that has a negative approach to Mike Buffington did not come from me. All things being fair I have also given Chief Wirthman due props on a couple of occasions.
#8.3 JAUTRY on 08/16/08, 10:14 AM
No wonder you hid behind someone else's name. That has to be one of the most stupid comments I've ever heard or read.
#9 John from Jefferson on 08/16/08, 11:11 AM
"Well, if you know so much, dont be a COWARD, reveal your identity", I don't think anyone in their right mind would put their name in this comment section if they are talking truth about the police dept, any police dept for that matter. Just imagine the harassement they would get from the police dept. No these people are NOT cowards but just have the common sense not to reveal their ideentity.
#10 annon on 08/16/08, 02:57 PM
I can confirm this issue from a different angle.
I was VERY sick last week with the FLU and trying to sleep.
There was an emergency situation in our neighborhood that I wont go into here.
The Jefferson police were not willing to help me but went on and on about how I did not come outside to "meet with them in person"....
We have visited them and filed many reports on this same exact situation for 2 YEARS. Paper trail and all....

Funny how ALL of that paperwork is missing now?
Some as recent as a month ago????

Just now many times does the Jefferson police "need me to meet with them" to finally enforce the Jefferson Law? Just how much paperwork are they going to lose?

Also the Jefferson Police need to realize that sometimes neighbors are intimidated and need to make anonymous calls!
I am appalled at the heads of this department after speaking extensively with them. Their take on the law SHOCKS me.

I listed to the free scanner listed here at this site last week.
I found it amazing that anonymous calls were allowed in other neighborhoods?
No officer had to meet with those callers?
Those situations were a lot less serious than this also?

How about the Jefferson Police "meeting" with the law breaker?
Guess thats too much for the Jefferson Police to handle?

It's a real shame also that newcomers are moving to nice Jefferson neighborhoods and destroying them. I guess they know the police don't enforce the ordinances anyway?

WHY are we paying these people?
WHAT are we getting for our $?
WHY are these folks fired and better people found?

This is an embarrassment to this lovely town!
#11 Big Dave on 08/16/08, 03:00 PM
My question is why is The Asst. Chief involved with subordinastes off duty drinking. How could he discipline anyone in the future for any similiar offense. As the Chief or his Assistant you must not be involved in off duty scenes as that one. What is going on???
#12 a party goer on 08/16/08, 03:52 PM
Nothing printed in the editorial is false. Was there noise complainants...yes....was there more than 1 complainant....yes......did an officer throw up from drinking too much....yes...did joe wirthman tell sgt james mcnatt not to respond to any further complainants unless the complainant agreed to meet with officers....yes.....but so what! Mr. J. Autry calm down you protest too much it makes you seem like you have a dog in this fight... Are you an employee of the PD? Are you friends with officer foster the officer that threw up? Mr. Eric Nicolas Please if you have spoken to the majors neighbors please let the major know that because he is telling everyone that his neighbors were out of town the night of the party. Eric Thank you so much for your service to our country but it does not make you seem more credible when you sign your letters Persian Gulf Veteran. The PD has bigger problems to worry about right now. If we all just ignore the paper and not add fuel to the fire Mr. Buffington will write about something else. When you protest too much it appears that buffington hit a nerve of truth and the truth hurts. so ignore him.
#12.1 Eruc A. Nicolaus on 08/16/08, 08:35 PM
Sir or Ma'am:

The facts simply don't fit here. There are only two anonymous and highly suspect calls made - both circumvented the 9-1-1 system. A cell phone number would show up if going through 9-1-1. The second anonymous call gave a false name while still circumventing the 9-1-1 system. There are at least two eye witnesses who saw what they saw and were not invited or part of the gathering - they saw things much differently then the highly suspect anonymous calls Mike used to support his editorial. I'm sure Mike can now do his homework and probably write another couple more editorials after he obtains the available 9-1-1 transcripts - I certainly look forward to reading and hearing them! BTW: Your welcome. It was an honor to serve my country - and make it back almost in one piece.

Best regards,

Eric A. Nicolaus
Arabian / Persian Gulf Veteran (1999 - 2001)
Disabled Veteran
#12.2 JAUTRY on 08/17/08, 09:58 AM
Fair enough party goer. I am not an employee of JPD. I don't personally know anyone that works there now, and I do not have a dog in this hunt. As for calming down, I can do that too. I really was pretty calm until some jellyfish decided too hide behind my name while posting some incredibly stupit comments, but I think everyone sees through that now. You know, as well as I that some of these comments are comming from insiders at the JPD and others are coming from folks with vested interest. I have made no secret that Darren Glenn is my cousin. What does that have to do with this story, absolutely nothing, but just so you'll know, that's who I am. My opinions of what has gone on in Jefferson in the last couple of years would be the same whether I had cousins there or not, but it does make me a little more willing to express them.
#13 Loving Jefferson on 08/16/08, 06:51 PM
Congratulations Mr. Buffington. I love to see editorials getting so much attention. Your editorial was exactly what is expected of an editorial. I am sure you are happy with all of the response as well. My opinion, the bigger story is that 911 was told not to respond. Side note story - Eric and Gus are buds in the neighborhood :)
#13.1 Eruc A. Nicolaus on 08/16/08, 09:14 PM
Sir or Ma'am:

I am truly fortunate - I have really great neighbors where I live on Thornhill Circle. They are all friendly, helpful, likeable, and respectful of one another. Gus is definitely one of them. I'm not so sure that the big story was that 9-1-1 was told not to respond - I'll wait for the 9-1-1 transcripts. I'd also like to know what other JPD resources were being utilized during the period in question. Example: Was every unit on coffee break or was there a critical accident, burglary, robbery, or murder investigation going on? Mike doesn't say in his opinion and I don't know. I learned allot from previously performing administrative, civil, and criminal investigations. There are three sides to every story: yours, mine, and the truth. Finally, having written, approved, and followed departmental and interdepartmental procedures for the USCG and local law enforcement agencies, this is the first-ever time I have heard where standard policy for E 9-1-1 was not to have the sister agency respond to a call where an officer of the same jurisdiction is involved. The initial highly suspect and anonymous call that apparently bypassed the 9-1-1 taping did ID the house as a JPD employee. This isn't the Sheriff's or JPD's fault, maybe it's just never come up before? For example, if a Sheriff's Dept deputy was involved in an accident, another agency would respond, i.e. highway patrol.

Best regards,

Eric A. Nicolaus
Arabian / Persian Gulf Veteran (1999 - 2001)
Disabled Veteran
#13.1.1 The people of jefferson for the resignation of the Joe withman and Gus backelant on 08/16/08, 10:52 PM
Oh yeah right that was the night the famous crime wave hit jefferson and everyone was busy and could not respond after the second time. The point is not that a sister agency should have responded but that a response was even necessary to a party being thrown by JPD command staff for JPD officers. Here is a crazy idea....how about JPD command staff and officers get together and not pee outside, drink too much, puke in the street, get too noisey and have to have there own officers respond about it! HMMMM Eric please the next time you are hanging out with Gus Backelant have a beer and tell him he should be ashamed!
#13.1.1.1 Eruc A. Nicolaus on 08/18/08, 06:21 AM
Ma'am or sir:

I don't drink alcoholic beverages.

Best regards,

Eric A. Nicolaus
Arabian / Persian Gulf Veteran (1999 - 2001)
Disabled Veteran
#13.1.2 Family Supporter on 08/17/08, 02:19 AM
I doubt very seriously if you have ever done many criminal investigations and know for a fact that you do not check out anything before you put your mouth in gear and start writing in this paper. I have also found someone who brags about all the "things" they have done usually were very weak in their job and build themselves up because no one else would. What part of you did not make it back because I have seen you running and coaching your kids you seem almost normal
#13.1.2.1 JAUTRY on 08/17/08, 11:10 AM
OK, Time out. Like what he says or not let's keep the disabled vet's injuries off limits. We don't know what has happened to these people and what kind of work they may have done to get to the level of ability they are at now. In my opinion we shouldn't cross that line.
#13.1.2.1.1 Family Supporter on 08/17/08, 06:36 PM
I am sorry big Autry I was not trying to cross that line I have the utmost respect for Veterans, he just keeps throwing it up and since I have seen him at the ball fields running and playing I just wondered what his disability was...not meaning anything else and it was taken any other way I am sorry to any Vets I may have offended.
#14 Seriously concerned citizen on 08/16/08, 10:37 PM
I have a question...If there was drinking at this party was there taxis standing by to take everyone home? Did any officer drive after consuming alcoholic beverages at at party put on by the second in command and attended by the chief of police. What if an officer drank a couple beers then drove and crashed? The city would be in for a huge law suit since the party was provided by the command staff. That does not sound like a responsible command staff to me!
#15 parksandthings on 08/17/08, 08:02 AM
it was a former disgruntled employee who called in the complaint and they knew to do it through the sheriff's office, knowing it would not be recorded. that is probably why their chief said to not bother anymore with the harassing calls as it was tying up emergency resources. making a false call is a crime, i believe.
#15.1 Anonymous on 08/17/08, 10:16 AM
OK, so what you are saying is that Chief Joe Wirthman has ESP and this super power allowed him to know immediately the night of the party that a former Jefferson employee was actually the one who was making the call. WOW why didnt anyone tell us he has the power of ESP........your stupid
#15.1.1 parksandthings on 08/21/08, 09:02 AM
"your stupid"?
great comeback.
what are you, 12?
and it is YOU'RE not YOUR.
#15.2 doug on 08/17/08, 01:19 PM
Who is the former employee?
#15.3 Just a thought on 08/17/08, 08:07 PM
O.k I've been following along here for a while and it is time for me to chime in. lets break this down
1st caller: “raising sand, whooping and hollering and carrying on.” and "looked About drunk".
Please read 9.5.5 "Noise performance standards" for the city of Jefferson Quick breakdown. unamplified voice is EXEMPT from the standard(9.5.6 (b)). As for the about drunk....Isn't Backelant's backyard fenced in??? How can they look about drunk from behind a fence?

Second Caller:
"partying and urinating in public and still being too loud"
Partying...Isnt that what you do at a party? Arn't even police officers allowed to party.
Urinating in public...Oh yea I can see that happening at the bosses house. Quick way to loose your job dont you think.
Still being to loud....Please refer to 9.5.6 (b)
P.S "Still" being to loud tells me that it was the same caller...

2 intoxicated people leaving the party stopping to throw up. but this is said after "no other calls came into the 911 center" so where did this come from?

Included some rather heavy drinking...sounds like speculation to me Mr. Buffington.

Not to respond unless the caller will meet with the officers.....if the police are called to a complaint and they find no problems and are called again and find no problems the third time they are going to want to meet with the caller to find out what the complaint is.

runs the police department with an iron fist.....if that means 8 new police cars on the street and 4 more comming this year, comming in under budget last year, having a full staff of officers, implimenting park and walk for officers to get out of the cars and meet citizens, updating the computers and report system and the list goes on.

As one person put it "most of the officers and staff at JPD can not wait for the day they will be free of the wirthman and backelant comedy show"....Then why dont the staff and officers that dont like it there PACK THEIR BAGS AND LEAVE.
If you break it down you end up with Twisted truths and not much of a case.
Oh. one more thing If the people calling didnt think they were getting any results Why didn't they call and ask for a deputy to respond....my opinion...they knew nothing was going on and didn't want the Sheriff's office to verify it.
#15.3.1 Anonymous on 08/17/08, 08:33 PM
How long have you been working on that spin Jefferson employee?
#15.3.1.1 just a thought on 08/17/08, 09:49 PM
that "spin"?

oh...so Buffington can Spin it his way but when someone else points out a different view of it that view gets questioned. But his View doesn't.
What makes his View More valid than mine?

whats the matter dont like that every point CAN be explained with a VALID explination.
#15.3.1.1.1 Anonymous on 08/18/08, 07:49 AM
How did buffington spin it? was there a party....yes....was there drinking....yes......were police called yes.....did officer foster throw up.....yes......were the police called twice....yes.........did joe wirthman tell dispatch not to send officers to any more noise complainants ....yes. The TRUTH HURTS GUS......Dont get mad when the paper airs your dirty laundry. If you did not have dirty laundry you would have nothing to get mad over.
#15.3.2 I know it's you on 08/18/08, 01:26 AM
Gus...Gus
you give yourself away so much...noise performance standards...come on ....look up public drunk.."within public view" that happens when you stagger out from the "fenced back yard" fall in the truck and throw up in not only your drive but also street. I don't think any of them consider you their boss, being you’re not certified. I have lived here all my life 12 years ago there was 4 cars on the road patrolling. I don't think the police dept had any computers in the building or I know the cars didn't. The evidence was kept in a closet and officers made 7.50 an hour...I know I was one. I had my differences with the past administration so I left. Or was made to leave but he always backed his men when they were right. The list goes on and on as you say but you were not around here then, so you are just going on what other people tell you .just as you have been giving people a hard time for...grow up...pass the Academy ...act like a true officer and maybe you will get some of that respect you try to demand.

P.S. you were told not to wite anything to here or the paper so you can't even follow an order
#15.3.2.1 just a thought on 08/18/08, 01:54 PM
I hope you wern't one of the detectives here... although that would explain why crimes wern't solved very often. I am NOT Gus Backelant or Joseph Wirthman. the term "noise performance standards" was pulled right off of municicode (the online municipal code web site you can access it through the city's web site). But when you try to fill in the blanks that is what happens.
#15.3.3 Anonymous on 08/18/08, 08:01 AM
Did any officer drive after having consumed alcohol?
#15.3.4 Kathy W on 08/18/08, 08:10 AM
Excuse me, what planet do you live on? If officers "don't like it there PACK THEIR BAGS AND LEAVE." HA! Of course, we can all afford to just pack up and leave jobs we don't like. Unemployment 5.7% in GA, 5.8% in the Nation. But heck, who needs to eat these days???

IF you had any credibility up to that point, you just lost it. Stupid thing to say.
#15.3.5 just a thought on 08/18/08, 06:50 PM
Athens Clarke police , Clarke county Sheriff, Gwinnett co. Sheriff, Jackson County Sheriff, Gwinnett co. Police, Madison co Sheriff are all hiring and the list goes on. there are plenty of law enforcement jobs out there so IF THEY DONT LIKE WHERE THEY ARE PACK YOUR BAGS AND LEAVE.
#15.3.5.1 Preserve resident (Homepage) on 08/19/08, 11:18 PM
Have you noticed...? Mike has not posted since 8/16 at 7:45... This was never supposed to get this big. He probably can't believe what a hornet's nest he stirred up and would like to back away from it if he could...

Too late...

I live in the Preserve. It's a sleepy little subdivision that hasn't had much going on since '05 when some graduating seniors threw the pool furniture in the pool. Maybe there have been some parties, but most of us would never know it -- you hardly find lights on after 10:00 p.m.

I read the paper every week... I get my copy on Thursday, but have been known to join the groupies on Wednesday night, quarters in hand, to get Mike's latest take on issues. Much of the time, Mike and I are on the same side of an issue. Sometimes, though, I wince at how hard he hits at people/events that go unintentionally poorly. Remember how he tore into the schools when they had that scheduling problem some time ago?

Well...this is one of those times when I'm scratching my head, going "What the....?"
"Callers" (plural according to Mike) decide independently to call 911 in such a way that their identity is hidden and complain, approximately 30 minutes apart about a party. The 'second' caller uses the phrase "and they're STILL too loud". The Mike I know couldn't overlook that. The use of "still too loud" tells us that there is either just one caller, or it's two callers working together.

By the way, why is the 'Name' redacted on the second call documentation? Do we know the name of the second caller?

Second, the street Backelant lives on is a semi circle that empties from each side on to a major street in the subdivision. If 'caller 1' were walking and became so offended by noise/behavior coming from the Backelant house that he needed to call 911, he certainly would not have had to walk by the house AGAIN to collaborate with or impersonate 'caller 2'. He seems to have worked pretty hard at becoming offended.

Folks in this subdivision tend to live from the back of their houses... nearly all have back decks/patios and most have walk out lower levels. You can't even tell if anyone is home most of the time just looking at the front.

Since this party was centered around the pool and Backelant's walkout lower level, it takes a big stretch of the imagination to think that folks walked from the privacy of the back yard to the front or sides of the home and pee'd in front of passersby. Could it have happened? Maybe... but certainly not likely.

As far as the 911/police response... how many times do we want the police to respond to an anonymous -- i.e. crank call -- at $4.00/gallon of gas before we say, "Sure Bud, we'll go out and visit a party we've just visited twice in the last 30 minutes and found nothing wrong." "But do us a favor, will ya, and meet us there so you can tell us what the heck you're seeing/hearing that is so darn offensive!"

Come to think of it, I don't think Mike entertains or prints anonymous letters to the editor. I think he'll print comments from an anonymous contributor, but I don't think he will do that unless he's furnished the contributor's name so facts can be verified.
How 'bout it Mike? Correct me on this. How much credence do you give to anonymous contributors?

Then there's the matter of people leaving the party having had so much to drink that they must stop within minutes to vomit. Hmmmm....
men the size of most JPD officers would have to drink beer at warp speed to ingest enough alcohol at a four or five hour party to vomit while exiting. Might puke the next morning... but probably not that night. Don't know what that's all about, since some of the posts insist that it really happened. My guess is that it didn't.

I'm breaking my #1 rule in writing this post: "If it stinks, don't stir it", but this one got to me. It's the unfairness of it all. If I were to read in a public instrument that Mike Buffington was "about drunk"; pee'ing in someone's front yard; and vomiting on the street, "ACCORDING TO AN ANONYMOUS AND CAREFULLY DISGUISED" caller, I would give it absolutely no credence whatsoever! Does that mean it could not be true? ...of course not! But the 'reasonable man' test would require that these accusations be verified through actual first hand accounts before relaying them to others as 'truth'.

Mike, you didn't give Backelant the accord you would expect for you or any member of your family. You sunk to the Jerry Springer level and that is soooo far beneath "an award winning journalist".

Why? ...I still can't figure out why you did this... I can't come up with the "What's in it for you..."
#15.3.5.1.1 Mike Buffington on 08/22/08, 04:57 PM
Sharon: You have too many questions here for me to answer briefly. However, we would not have published the material if we didn't have some independent verification that the accusations made in the 911 calls had some measure of validity. We stand by the editorial as written.
#16 700 on 08/17/08, 11:27 PM
Let’s shuck this corn down to the cob Mr. Buffington; to steal a catch phrase of yours. “What’s really going on at the Jefferson Police Department?” Oh really, what used to go on? Where were you when the “gas theft” was going on? Where were you when the former chief was having daily meetings threatening his employees? Where were you when the former chief got into an altercation at an Athens night club? Where were you when there were missing funds from the Jefferson Police Department Golf Fund? You were all over Tim Madison; why not Darren Glenn? The reason is: small town politics!
Maybe you were covering Arcade or Pendergrass? Who knows? But, I do know one thing, you set in your office silent, when you could have shouted from the heavens the corruption going on in the “JPD.” But, you didn’t. Why, Mr. Editor?

What about when the old Assistant Chief was taking officers to Downtown Athens when they were on duty? Who knows what you were doing. This is all crazy.

12 to 8 Mr. Editor. Your boy wonder made it by 4 votes. People forget that!
#16.1 JAUTRY on 08/18/08, 10:08 AM
OK Mr 700. You seem to think you know alot but your memory seems to be a little selective, if not totally imagined in some cases. The gas theft situation, if memory serves, was dealt with firmly and immediately. Missing golf funds, all you needed to do was ask. There never was any money missing from that fund. A very detailed record and check book was kept to account for every penny of that money, that assumes anyone wanting to know has the ambition to read. The slim vote of 12 to 8. I'd like to see you have the GBI stomping through your office for two and a half years and see how you end up. Not to mention the fact that the prosecuting attorney was taking your 8 grand jury members to lunch every day. I guess he thought the way to an indictment was through some idiot's stomach. That was actually a testamony "for" Darren Glenn.
I'll keep my comments brief here, but I'll bet you've stirred up a hornets nest again. My bet is that folks around here have alot more respect for Darren Glenn than for you! I'm sure the next string of comments will be interesting.
#16.1.1 Jefferson #8 on 08/21/08, 12:11 PM
Gosh Mr Autry, you can speak so clearly about these
incidents....It's almost like you are Darren Glenn himself.
#16.1.1.1 Ben Franklin on 08/21/08, 12:23 PM
How many times does he have to tell you that he is Darren Glenn's Cousin, can you read? I would thnk he would tell you more if you ask.
#16.1.1.1.1 #8 on 08/21/08, 01:42 PM
Do you believe everything you're told?
#16.1.1.2 JAUTRY on 08/21/08, 12:32 PM
Nice try. I have stated several times who I am. The fact that I know alot about these situations is because I took the time and trouble to ask. You should try it. It's amazing what you will find out!
#16.2 Anonymous on 08/18/08, 06:21 PM
Hey Chief...Badge 700. Please get over yourself and move on. darren Glenn was not indicted by the Grand Jury. I know that pisses you off but lets worry about the present and future not the past. It is starting to sound personal between you, Darren glenn and the paper. If you worried less about Darren Glenn and Buffington and stopped playing spider solitare and watching your soaps all day maybe you would have to do less damage control and more to better your department. One question yet to be answered is ..did any one of your officers drink at this party then drive a vehicle...I know the answer....lets hear what you have to say.
#16.2.1 Anonymous Insider on 08/19/08, 05:12 PM
Glenn was an embarrassment. Jefferson is far better off without him. Buffington and Glenn were buddies in high school. I have no experience with Wirthman and am not commenting on his competence/incompetence.
#16.2.1.1 JAUTRY on 08/19/08, 05:37 PM
Yeah, I'm sure the lines were scattered with stuff like this while Darren was Chief. But, as I have stated on numerous occasions, You are entitled to your opinion. I'll bet he didn't have uncertified Officers in Command positions. Now there's an embarrassment, an inexcusable one at that!
#16.2.1.1.1 Krispy Creme Guy on 08/19/08, 11:13 PM
JAutry, he may not have had an uncertified officer, but one of his captains barely had an eighth grade education and the other captain could not quit stuffing his mouth with junk food long enough to get any work done. So please tell me how D. Glenn was a saint and made educated decisions about who he promoted? If you did not bow down to Darren Glenn, you were over looked for promotions regardless of your expertence and education. Officers and the people of Jefferson are glad Darrens gone. His demise was long overdue.
#16.2.1.1.1.1 JAUTRY on 08/20/08, 03:04 PM
How long did you work there?
#16.2.1.1.1.2 JAUTRY on 08/20/08, 09:25 PM
Sounds like you were passed over by the eighth grader and habitual eater. Your performance must be a thing of beauty. I'll bet you're a real hum-dinger!
#16.2.1.2 Darren Glenn on 08/20/08, 12:55 AM
Why must you always bring me into your problems? I have moved on and I would ask you do the same, please. What will you guys come up with next? This is really getting old but I ask you again let my family have peace. I have not bothered any of you and I would ask you do the same.
#16.2.1.2.1 KrispyCremeguy on 08/20/08, 03:08 PM
Teh drop your law suit against the city Mr. Glenn! It's also rumored your campaining for mayor of Jefferson. Once elected you plan to fire the current chief of police and city manager. You just want peace, rightttttt!
#16.2.1.2.1.1 D.G. on 08/20/08, 06:20 PM
You have been sadly misled. I feel sorry for you for even believing such. I want people to leave my family alone. I will leave them alone. As for the other that won't be happening.
#16.2.1.2.2 Jefferson Resident on 08/21/08, 07:43 AM
Your Cousin JAutry keeps bringing you up and bragging about you! Maybe you need to talk to him.
#16.2.1.2.2.1 JAUTRY on 08/21/08, 11:25 AM
Jefferson Resident, that was a good comment. I have been trying to work my way out of this discussion, but too many things keep going to a place where they can't be left. I heard a rumor that Gus was going to retire or resign. I personally would rather see him finish his certification and stay on the job rather than quit and accept defeat.
#16.3 your worst nightmare on 08/18/08, 06:56 PM
DID ANY OFFICER DRINK THEN OPERATE A MOTOR VEHICLE MR. WIRTHLESS...OOPPS I MEAN WIRTHMAN.
#16.3.1 SOMEONEWHOKNOWSTHETRUTH on 08/18/08, 11:35 PM
All Officers that were drinking had desiganated drivers. As for the Beef 'O' Brady's comment, they eat there because it's the only restaurant open past eight 'oclock. You all want to point fingers at the Police Department and its' members then why don't all of you do a ride along with an Officer and see exactly what theses hard working, dedicated officers do to keep your butts safe while residing inside the City of Jefferson. It's easy to pass judgement on others when you all should be looking at yourselves.
#16.4 #8 on 08/21/08, 01:56 PM
Oh, I remember that night club thing. Didn't he beat up somebody.
It was all over the Athens Banner Herald, but nothing
here. Why was that? I believe the officer working was
office Green, ACC.
#17 jess on 08/18/08, 01:11 PM
I do not live in Jefferson but I have a friend who does. The police in jefferson do nothing but harrass her. She went swimming at the community pool in the subdivison pool and the police were hanging out making comments about a young man that lives with her and her family asking him was he f****** her. They pull her over every time she pulls out of her driveway. They need to get a life and do their job not try to do the citizens of Jefferson.(Stop being Horn dogs)
#18 Tom on 08/18/08, 02:58 PM
Jess if that is all you have to complain about with the JPD try going to Braselton now that a police dept you can NEVER trust. I'm sure they will liven things up for you a bit, you can find them either at zaxby or wendys.
#18.1 citizen on 08/18/08, 03:37 PM