LYONS, Kan. — The suspension of Lyons Police Chief Justin Holliday by Mayor Alicia Hommon has been extended for two weeks. The suspension of Holliday was disclosed to the Lyons City Council by Hommon in an executive session during their last meeting on Feb. 20.
Mayor Hommon said at the start of the meeting she has been discussing a number of issues with Chief Holliday over the past year or so. Hommon said the reasons for which were outlined for the Council during that executive session.
A number of people addressed the Council during the public comment portion of the meeting. In those comments one person said if Holliday leaves, several police officers are prepared to do likewise. All who spoke supported Holliday and the Police Department in general. Some of them told the Council he helped them through some very difficult times in their lives. One speaker noted the significant turnover in city employees over the past few years.
After a 30 minute executive session to discuss non-elected personnel, Mayor Hommon said she extended the suspension at the request of the Council, pending “further investigation.”
The Council later in the meeting approved a memorandum of understanding with the Rice County Sheriff’s Office to provide law enforcement coverage during times when Lyons does not have a police officer on duty.
