Email threads reveal more on how Wrens police chief’s exit went down
WRENS, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Email threads obtained by News 12 reveal how the city shakeup and resignation of former Wrens Police Chief John Maynard went down
In an email sent to all Wrens police department staff dated Oct. 28, Wrens City Manager Arty Thrift states, " We are making some changes in our department involving personnel.”
Those changes included the voluntary resignation of former Assistant Police Chief Phillip Hambrick and Maynard being put on istrative leave.
This email did not mention a reason for the istrative leave or any specific details about the decision.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Public records: What the emails tell us
- On Nov. 1, an email with the subject “Wrongful Termination” was sent by Maynard to Thrift. Maynard states Wrens Mayor David Hannah, “made several false allegations in a meeting,” before requesting Maynard’s resignation. “I am not sure when nor why any meeting was called with council and has taken place concerning my employment, but it seems to me that the two reasons that I was given and even asked to resign, were all based and led by false information,” Maynard wrote.
- One of these two reasons for Maynard’s resignation according to the emails was concerning his whereabouts during Hurricane Helene. Maynard states that he came to work on Sept. 26 around 10 a.m. and did not leave Wrens until Oct. 3rd at about 8:30 pm., according to the emails. “All of those nights in between, I slept in my office on a cot or a futon,” Maynard Wrote.
- Maynard said even though he did work shifts at the mall, he still reported to work in Wrens for his normal shift. “The shifts that I worked at the mall were at night, protecting the linemen, their belongings and ensuring they were well rested to continue other restorations,” Maynard wrote.
- Maynard concluded by stating he would be open to discussing his departure due to some “other” reasons. “This is the highest injustice for anyone, much less for someone who has sacrificed so much for the city, including sending his own family away so that I could stay and work for the City of Wrens during the worst storm ever recorded in our state’s history,” Maynard wrote.
- In another email sent to Thrift, also dated Nov. 1, Maynard alleges that an hour-long meeting was held on Oct. 2 by the Mayor discussing Maynard’s employment, without him present. “The mayor is also acting as the council, mayor, city and police chief by having secret meetings at his home with police officers.”
- In the final thread of emails dated Nov. 4, Maynard states: “I understand I have two options. Resign or be terminated. But can I not have a reason or grounds for the termination?” Thrift’s response: “We both agree it is not working out in Wrens. As such, I am offering you an option to resign your position and we both go our separate ways. If you choose not to resign, then I will issue a termination of employment letter. The termination letter is going look very different than the courtesy meeting you had with Mayor Hannah. I need to move forward on behalf of the citizens and businesses of Wrens and the staff here. Please let me know your decision.”
Maynard sent his letter of resignation on Nov. 4.
In Maynard’s letter, he offers a two-week standard resignation but asks for it to be accepted effective immediately. It was put into effect that day, according to the files.
While the cause of this resignation is still uncertain, documents show Maynard received overall good reviews in his performance evaluations.
Maynard was recommended for several salary increases based on his performance, according to the files.
In one review dated May 2022, it states Maynard is “Improving with training,” and that “department-wide productivity has improved.”
Another from January 2024 mentions problems within the department stating: “Chief had a good department that is slipping. The chief is working through some staff and departmental issues. Needs to build confidence and morale back up in the department...Need more of the chief’s presence, guidance and input.”
Four months later in May, Maynard received a follow-up. This review mentioned improvements in the police department but echoed previous statements of “lots of work to be done.”
The salary increase was still recommended.
Also included in the files was a separation notice. This document listed the circumstances of his separation as a “voluntary resignation.”
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Hambrick also offered his resignation in a letter dated Oct. 29.
In the letter, Hambrick states his resignation as a part-time lieutenant is due to wanting to focus on his full-time job and his family.
According to the resignation, Hambrick stated: “I truly enjoyed my time with the city of Wrens and have had the opportunity to work alongside some great folks. I feel during my time with the city, I have made a positive impact and developed bonds with her community and staff that will be forever recognized.”
Hambricks resignation was also made effective Nov. 4
His separation notice also listed the circumstances as a “voluntary separation”.
Maynard told News 12 on Friday: “I am still praying about my direction on handling this situation as well as where I go from here. I was given an ultimatum, but I did nothing criminally wrong as some rumors suggest. I was equally surprised, but I trust God in everything.”
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