By Staff
Belhaven force to get aid from sheriff’s office
By CLAUD HODGES
Senior Reporter
Hayden declined to discuss the circumstances surrounding his departure from the department.
Several sources familiar with Hayden’s departure told the Washington Daily News another Belhaven officer was terminated. Those sources asked for anonymity, citing possible repercussions if they are identified.
Asked about the employment status of Hayden, Deborah Prewitt, Belhaven’s human resources coordinator, said Thursday afternoon that she could not comment on the matter. She referred the question to Gwinn Leverett, interim town manager. Messages left for Leverett were not returned Thursday.
Attempts to contact Mayor Adam O’Neal on Thursday afternoon were unsuccessful. Messages left for the mayor were not returned.
Members of the command staff of the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office met with Belhaven officials Thursday and received a request for assistance.
That assistance began Thursday, the release notes. Belhaven’s request for assistance was made because of a reduction in staff at the town’s police department, according to the release.
Sheriff’s deputies will patrol Belhaven and respond to calls for service until the town selects a chief of police, the release said.
Hayden became Belhaven’s acting chief of police on May 8, 2001. He was officially named police chief on Dec. 7, 2001. He came to the Belhaven Police Department in December 2000, starting as a lieutenant.
Hayden served as chief of the Cape Carteret Police Department in 1999 and 2000.
Hayden retired from the U.S. Marine Corps in 1989, after 21 years of service.