On Wednesday August 11, 2021, City Administrator Heather Russell along with City Attorney Cydney Mayfield authorized the termination of Officer Pat McGee. The reason given to Officer McGee was for speaking with a juvenile witness of a crime/investigation without permission from the juvenile office or parent consent, which Russell and Mayfield believe to be a violation of department policy. This termination also went against the advice of the command staff of the Centralia Police Department.This termination of employment can not be accepted as a violation of policy, as it is  lawful for an officer to question a witness without the consent from a parent or juvenile officer.

In my two years of knowing McGee, I've viewed him as being respectful, honest and a role model to my son who is an Explorer for the police department. McGee has performed an exemplary job and has been publicly praised on numerous occasions by his peers. Along with many other officers, McGee has effectively enforced a new method of policing this town has not seen in many many years. On countless occasions, I have observed McGee going above and beyond his official duties for the citizens of Centralia, for which I live and work in; such as fixing license plate lights, changing head/tail lights while roadside, swapping out expired plates for newer plates for those unable to do so themselves. Amongst all these things, McGee has also been observed by my staff by buying food, drinks and even small toys/trinkets and other miscellaneous items for those who are less fortunate. McGee did all of this outside of his duties while also being on a cops salary. 

Everyday our police officers put on a ballistic vest, holster a firearm and pin a badge close to their heart not knowing if they will be able to return to their families after selflessly protecting our citizens.

I am requesting signatures for an immediate reinstatement of Officer McGee and for an independent investigation to be conducted regarding the unlawful termination of one of our respected officers.