Interim chief appointed in chaotic council meeting

St. Martinville – Calder Hebert ended his term as Police Chief on Tuesday, June 19. Amid the sounds of turmoil from members of the audience, Joe Nedie was appointed interim chief. All council members except new District 5 representative Edmund Joseph, who abstained, approved the appointment.

There was no apparent controversy in Nedie’s selection to fill the seat. He had done so during Hebert’s absence due to an off-duty injury in April. Joseph told the Teche News after the meeting that he is highly suspicious of the circumstances and timing of Hebert’s departure. He questioned the effective date of Hebert’s resignation, which was originally announced as June 17, rather than 20th.

The process of selecting a permanent chief is what angered some volatile attendees. The controversy began when plans were made to install Jennings Police Chief Todd D’Albor to replace Hebert. After serving in the position for three years, Hebert had announced plans to leave. Those plans went awry when it was found that D’Albor had not taken the Civil Service qualifying exam. D’Albor subsequently decided to remain in Jennings.

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