SMITH QUITS BUT CONTROVERSY RAGES

Captain Jim Smith resigned from the Dothan Police Department Thursday amid allegations he wrote letters critical of the chief and high ranking department officials. However, Smith`s attorney contends Smith stepped down because of serious illness in his family. Ernie Hornsby, who represents Smith, would not comment on the illness but WDHN News 18 is reporting Smith`s wife has been diagnosed with cancer. The 19-year veteran of the department was placed on administrative leave last week and, following a hearing Tuesday, Police Chief John White decided to fire Smith from the force. However, when Smith decided to resign, White accepted that resignation. Hornsby also confirmed a telephone conversation took place between his client and County Commission Chairman Mark Culver on December 5th. Culver was the recipient of one of the letters allegedly written by Smith and mailed to several public officials. Culver, who appeared in line to become Dothan`s next city manager, apparently made the call to Smith at the request of White. That action appears to be at least part of the reason a meeting to appoint Culver to the city post that had been scheduled Friday was cancelled. Commissioner Jason Rudd says he does not expect the commission to meet again until it`s next regular session in January.