Former Grayson Chief Decides to Retire

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Former Grayson Chief Decides to Retire

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Posted: 3:55 PM May 12, 2008
Last Updated: 3:55 PM May 12, 2008
Reporter: WSAZ News Staff
Email Address: news@wsaz.com

28 comments

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GRAYSON, KY (WSAZ)--The former police chief in Grayson, KY has decided to retire, rather than fight his demotion.

Last month. Grayson Mayor George Steele reassigned Keith Hill to a patrolman’s’ post.

Hill had been chief of police since 2001.

In a letter to Hill at the time, Mayor Steele said there were no complaints, no misconduct regarding Hill, but Grayson would be better off if all police officers reported directly to the mayor.

Hill says by law, the mayor must file formal charges to demote, have a reason, and hold a hearing.

The former chief told us that he didn’t plan to give up the job without a fight. He took the issue to court to prevent the mayor from hiring his replacement.

A judge issued a temporary injunction and a hearing was held last week. The judge was expected issue a ruling later this month.

Over the weekend, Hill submitted his retirement letter to the city. He says the demotion and court fight had been to much of a strain on himself and his family.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Anonymous on May 21, 2008 at 10:39 AM
noone is ask to step aside with out cause if the reall truth come out you all would be sorry you said all those things about the mayor so until you know the reall truth shut up

Posted by: To; Lisa on May 21, 2008 at 07:34 AM
Might want to take you own advice Lisa. I don't hear much forgivness in your comment. Maybe a little venom. Are blaming the mayor and the city because your friend had a wreck? It is tragic and I don't mean to trivialize it, but it is not their fault or liability.

Posted by: Lisa on May 20, 2008 at 09:01 PM
Ya know there are so many things that people argue abpout that really arent gonna make a difference, I agree that Keith is a great man but everyone is entitled to their own opinion right? Well here is mine! What about Interstate Dr? Have you been through there lately? Well I travel that road every day, and the POT HOLES!! Oh my heavens! They keep getting worse every day! And Mr George Steele, I recall one of my very dearest friends a couple months ago was leaving work after dark and hit one of those HOLES and done well over $250.00 worth of damage to her car and she repeatedly tried to get you to refund her money, but you told her that the city couldnt AFFORD TO PAY IT AND COULDNT AFFORD TO REFUND her Money! But last night she lost her life in a car accident and I know her family could really use that money! So come on people lets focus on what really matters in life! May God Bless you all, and forgive you for those you tresspass against!

Posted by: Anonymous on May 20, 2008 at 02:47 PM
the bible says not to let your good be evil spoken of....mr. hill has been found in some compromising positions....but the bible also says ye without sin cast the first stone....WHO wants to be first???

Posted by: anon on May 20, 2008 at 01:28 PM
then you don't know keith

Posted by: JG on May 20, 2008 at 05:25 AM
I wonder if any of us will ever find out what actually happened?

Posted by: Greg Stevens on May 14, 2008 at 09:07 PM
The Grayson mayor has made his worst decision most likely in his entire career. I hope and pray come time for re-election that the residents of Grayson realize that they are in desperate need of a new mayor!! Keith Hill is one of the most Honest and Dedicated lawmen that Carter County will ever see. I don't even live in Grayson but know Keith as a loyal and loving family man who greets everyone with a strong handshake and warm greeting. Godspeed for you Keith and your family. you are a wonderful family to know. Greg Stevens Flatwoods, Ky

Posted by: anon on May 14, 2008 at 03:09 PM
there are reasons behind these decisions. George was trying to spare Hills reputation. knock it off with the mudslinging. it's humiliating to our town

Posted by: ky girl on May 14, 2008 at 02:52 PM
I dont live in Grayson, but I shop and live very close I see how the town is and was. Just cause some one doesnt want to fight doesnt mean they are hiding stuff, he could be thinking finacially this could be hard for his family. Let the man retire and have peace . dont judge some one until you are in their shoes. there is more abt the king (mayor)of grayson wanting control of the town. look around grayson in stead of trying to control the police force and city businesses he should be helping the areas that needs help and fix grayson .Im waiting for an entrance fee and bowing at the mayors feet.

Posted by: Bryon on May 14, 2008 at 07:07 AM
I am with you on keith and George beeing well respected citizens.If you are going to leave comments have the Guts to at least put in a name.Opal do you know how stupid you sound though {i hope people dont think.......}who cares everyone has a opinion no one is stupid and you shouldnt try to belittle them.who cares about the spelling?Get a life!

Posted by: Opal on May 13, 2008 at 06:19 PM
I respect all involved and that includes Mr. Hill and Mr. Steele. Also I respect Randy Binion and don't understand why his name was even brought up. Some people have no spine so they have to hide behind an anonymous bulletin board. It's the only place they feel powerful. Sad, really. I only wish people would spell check/grammar check their posts before they submit...I cringe while reading most of these statements. I hope people who come to wsaz.com realize that not everybody in Grayson is so simple-minded and uneducated.

Posted by: AM on May 13, 2008 at 04:00 PM
Cont. No, it’s easier to sit at the computer and write your thoughts and opinions about things you know nothing about. Please, be more informed about things before expressing you opinions. We have too much turmoil in our country already so let’s try to make Grayson a place of peace. Also, George and Keith, take responsibility for the wrong that you have done and let the people of Grayson know that you are there for them. It may mean some embarrassment for you as well as your family, but you have to show our kids,(and some adults) that it is the right thing to do. You need to show people that our actions and WORDS have consequences.

Posted by: AM on May 13, 2008 at 03:55 PM
After reading the comments below, it saddens me that people can be so shallow. I am friends with Keith Hill and George Steele and have the deepest respect for both men so it has really been hard for me to form any opinion on the matter. But, I feel that we, as the public, need to hold our opinions until the facts are released. Yes, some have already been released, and I feel that more are coming. Some of you have made George and Keith out to be the enemy when in fact; they both have the city’s best interest at heart. Out of ignorance, some of you have called names and said things that are not true about either person and you have no bases to say these things. When things are not going the way you want them to go, it is easy for you to sit back and say these things. How many of you have worked in the community? How many of you have attended city or county meetings and expressed your opinions there?

Posted by: To Big Brother on May 13, 2008 at 01:35 PM
Big BROTHER IS EXACTLY RIGHT. HATE TO SAY IT BUT THAT IS THE TRUTH.

Posted by: DJC on May 13, 2008 at 11:41 AM
Hey "Big Brother" what were you and your friends smoking around that campfire? Everyone wants to speculate instead of knowing the facts! Keith Hill is a fine man and I understand why he has retired. Small town politics can ruin anyone with their "rumors". I can get on here and say I heard George Steele was having an affair, so does that make it a Fact? No! Everyone wants to put their two cents worth in and they don't have any idea whats going on! Mr. Hill has shown courage by taking this step knowing everyone is going to start speculating. I admire him for getting out of this mess that the Mayor has stirred up! I wouldn't want my family drug through the mud that the Mayor would try to stir up either! Keith is an honest man, and if there was any truth to the nonsense that the Mayor or "Big Brother" is trying to start up, retiring wouldn't make it go away! The Government would be on the case then! No job is worth hurting your family over!! May God bless you Mr.Hill and your family!

Posted by: anon on May 13, 2008 at 10:34 AM
Please stop the ignorant comments. If you are ashamed of Grayson then find someplace more suitable to your tunnel vision. NO ONE retires because their tired of it. They "retire" because they fear the whole truth will come out. Judge lest ye be judged. Both men have good qualities and both men have made mistakes. None of it has anything to do with their job performance. Stick to the facts that pertain to the subject, not character bashing.

Posted by: Sue on May 13, 2008 at 08:02 AM
I Think it takes the bigger man to put his family and the city of grayson before his self and the job he loves. While all this is going on the city of grayson has to foot the bill for mayors lawyer and all the focus for grayson citzens well being is the wrong place.If you think its just going to happen to mr. hill just wait and see what george has in store for the city.Everyone in the city needs to pay attention or in 2 years you will have to pick up the pieces.Thank you Mr. Hill for your service of 20 yrs.

Posted by: BS on May 13, 2008 at 06:58 AM
THIS IS BS!!!!!KEITH IS A GOOD MAN!MAYBE ITS TIME FOR A NEW MAYOR!GEORGE YOU OF ALL PEOPLE I WOULD HAVE NEVER THOUGHT IT OUT OF YOU.

Posted by: Big Brother on May 13, 2008 at 05:19 AM
Word around the campfire is Mr. Hill used federal grant money to fund his auction house. Mayor Steele didnt want to go public with it so he asked Hill to step aside. Hill didnt want to go quietly until he learned he was being investigated. Once those facts surfaced he "retired". Looks like an innocent man would have continued to fight for his job. Thank you Mayor Steele for the spring cleaning! Hopefully Jeff May will be appointed Chief. He deserves it.

Posted by: T on May 12, 2008 at 11:12 PM
What does the mayor know about running a police department? Sounds like a "wannabe cop". Police officers may loose their ranking with the state for having a non certified police officer leading the department. Time to get rid of the Mayor

Posted by: Anetta on May 12, 2008 at 11:03 PM
Anybody ever think maybe Keith has decided to let the Lord fight the fight because he is the only one that matters. The anger, back stabbing and two faced politics of this town makes me ashamed to say I live here.Good Luck Keith keep your head up God is still in control.

Posted by: BC on May 12, 2008 at 07:26 PM
Sounds like the Mayor wishes to be "King". Since when should the police report right to the mayor and not the chief? That is stupid. That mayor needs to be humbled.

Posted by: anon on May 12, 2008 at 06:55 PM
or maybe the truth was getting ready to come out so he "retired" instead

Posted by: Sad on May 12, 2008 at 06:26 PM
I hate to hear this. Chief Hill has been an upstanding member to the force. I hate to see him leave because of George Steele (George, Travis still can not get the position!!!!!!!!)

Posted by: a resident of grayson on May 12, 2008 at 05:49 PM
I wish Keith had fought this out with the Mayor. George Steele has took this town down since he took office. I have spoke to some of his family members and they are embarassed admiting they are kin. I think Keith Hill had the respect and support of the citizens here in Grayson to get his job back. I think we need to get rid of Mayor Steele before we lose are city of Grayson. Thumbs down to Mayor Steele, I think Keith Hill is more of a person then Mayor Steele will ever be.

Posted by: summer on May 12, 2008 at 05:30 PM
MR. HILL GIVING IN TO MR.STEELE ,, WOW NOW THAT'S A MIND BLOWER. GUESS THAT LEAVES WIDE OPEN SPACES.MAYBE MR.HILL WILL GO TO WORK FOR RANDY AND SHEILA, OR DOES THE MAYOR AND CHARLES WALLACE HAVE TO APPROVE THIS ??? JUST MAYBE RANDY HAS THE MIND TO GET MR.HILL TO CLEAN UP THAT JAIL,, OH WELL JUST PONDERING.

Posted by: Kim H on May 12, 2008 at 04:25 PM
I think it is pretty sad they have forced a good man into retiring all because the mayor is trying to take care of his son....Let the son grow up and take care of himself and leave our Keith Hill out of it. !!!!!!

Posted by: Anonymous on May 12, 2008 at 04:22 PM
he would fight it......if he didn't have something to hide,he doesn't want this in court

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