Recent local reports indicate that Texas City is now without any police officers, following the termination of the last remaining officers during the community’s first council meeting after the mayor’s arrest.
Eric Touma was discharged from the Hawkins Police Department on Monday, reportedly due to issues related to “waiver of the Soldier’s mission” and “waiver of postal mail.”
“We’re eager to draft a policy that aligns with Texas laws, ensuring everyone complies with that law and passes the policy,” Rushing mentioned.
This council meeting was significant as it was the first since the mayor’s arrest, which involved secret recordings of conversations with city officials and tampering with government records that were supposed to remain private. Reports have surfaced on this.
Apparently, Rush recorded discussions among council members and greetings for candidates running for the Hawkins City Council on April 24th.
In one of those recordings, the discussion allegedly touched on layoffs within the Hawkins Police Department that occurred back in February.
It’s said that the mayor shared these recordings with Matthew Todd Eddington, a local internet provocateur known for making derogatory social media posts about Hawkins City Council members, as cited by court documents.
Both individuals are currently under investigation by the Texas Rangers, according to local news sources.
Earlier in February, three badges from the Hawkins Police Department were revoked due to inappropriate employment practices, which were linked to the former police chief, who faced criticism for acting without proper city council authorization.
The officers who were let go had been appointed by Paul Holland, the former police chief who resigned on January 25th just days after trying to disband the police station at a city council meeting, as reported by local media.
This drastic action passed with a 4-1 vote.
The outcome of Monday’s vote surprised several council members and residents of Hawkins.
“He has done nothing wrong in our packet,” said MP Eric Malloy, who voted against the firing of Tuma. “I asked at the meeting tonight, where is the documentation he produced?”
“I’m really upset and can’t believe this,” Malloy expressed.
Touma recently took a leave due to a family emergency but had reportedly informed both the city and the Wood County Sheriff’s Office about his situation.
“This is ridiculous,” remarked Hawkins resident Amy Pack. “I won’t be calling 911. I’ll have to take matters into my own hands to protect my home,” she added.
