WAGENER, SC – Wagener, South Carolina’s police chief is no longer employed.
For almost three years, Chief Mark Warchol has been a part of the Wagener Police Department.
He was elevated to the position of police chief in June of last year, but he was fired Monday night following a divided town council vote.
Warchol is now speaking up and standing up for himself.
“It hurts—because I feel like I’ve let the community down by trying to do things the right way, speaking my mind here, and losing my job because of it,” Warchol added.
According to council members, Chief Warchol was accused of selling several police cars without the mayor’s consent, which is why the mayor convened the meeting.
However, the former chief claims that the recent difficulties between him and the mayor—which resulted from Tillman Rushton’s retirement as fire chief last November—are also to blame.
“He resigned, and his letter of resignation stated a few things that seemed like opinions to me. The relationship has deteriorated because the mayor interpreted it as personal insults, according to Warchol.
Wagener is now depending on the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office to cover for the police chief, who is now out of the office.
Some residents of the community are worried about their safety as a result.
“There is no safety for our citizens,” Joyce Jeffcoat-Derr stated. “We don’t have anyone patrolling at night anymore, and that’s a huge worry for homeowners, business owners, and everyone else in town.”
“Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate that Aiken County lends a hand whenever they can. However, they have other jobs as well. They don’t have to police Wagener all the time,” Patricia Middleton stated.
Some residents of the community are now demanding a state probe into the police chief’s dismissal.
“I would like Governor McMaster to come here, conduct an inquiry, and determine the extent of the misconduct. We’ve experienced a terrible situation. We must look to the future, even though I dislike dwelling on the past,” Jeffcoat-Derr stated.
Warchol has appealed the council’s judgment and is currently collaborating with lawyers on the matter.
He refers to his dismissal as “unjustified,” even though he is uncertain about the future.
“I have never been written up or in trouble.” Alright, if you wish to proceed on the grounds of suspension or anything. However, the outright termination is completely unwarranted,” he continued.
The former police chief says he may go above and beyond if needed, but he plans to remain in Wagener and make amends.
“I’m hoping I can resolve this and have a polite conversation.” I genuinely adore this town, therefore I sincerely hope and pray that I won’t have to leave. However, I’ll probably file a case against the town for the wrongful firing if that doesn’t work out.
In light of the November election, several residents of the town are now demanding a change of leadership.
“The people are not represented by them. We don’t know anything until individuals have made up their views based on their own opinions, and no one is asking them what they think,” Middleton added. “A change is necessary, and it must occur quickly.”
We have not received a response from Mayor Mike Miller regarding that or the police department’s future.
