Galveston reinstates town’s only law enforcement officer

GALVESTON, Ind. (WLFI) – Galveston’s town council has opted to reinstate Marshal Shawn Durham a week after he was fired, but town officials suggest that may not last for long.

The move was approved after a lawyer pointed out that the town violated Durham’s due process. According to the lawyer, the town must give Durham an appeals process before he is officially taken off the payroll. Instead, Durham was fired first and is appealing after the fact.

Monday night’s move means Durham will continue to be paid and may continue to work as he appeals his firing. He will also receive back pay for the days he was off.

But town officials are still reviewing the charges they say got Durham fired in the first place. That includes accusations of insubordination for refusing to give police keys and passwords to town council president John Hart, according to city documents.

Many Galveston residents stand by the marshal, who is the town’s only law enforcement officer. Monday’s meeting ended abruptly after a concerned citizen started speaking out in support of Durham.