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37 °F Forecast | Road Cams Wednesday, April 13, 2005 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | Health | Community | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion Tempo AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map SPECIAL SECTIONS Since We Asked Outdoor Journal Menu Guide How To Guide Health Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Real Estate Guide Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Wedding Guide Passport to the Rogue Valley SHOP OUR VALLEY AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Classified Place an ad TOP JOBS EXTRA Ashland News NIE Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People Volunteer Moving here? eSouthernOregon CUSTOMER SERVICE FAQ's Advertise with us Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend April 12, 2005 Only three on patrol in Rogue River after cop resigns By SANNE SPECHT Mail Tribune ROGUE RIVER — A Rogue River police officer has resigned, leaving the five-member department officially down to three paid officers. Officer Carl Lehman was placed on paid administrative leave March 13 for undisclosed reasons. City Administrator Mark Reagles was expecting Lehman to return to work by the end of last week, but Friday’s resignation makes Lehman’s leave permanent, he said. Lehman started with the department as a reserve 15 years ago. Hired as a full-time police officer seven years ago, Lehman said he enjoyed his job. "I really like the people," Lehman said in an interview just before his leave. But Lehman said working for an understaffed department was creating unmanageable stress. Stomach pains, sleep disturbances and anxiety issues had Lehman missing work and seeking medical attention. Advertisement "I’m on so many medications just to get through the day," said Lehman in the interview. The department has been short-staffed since former officer Roger Bigham was placed on administrative leave March 2004. Bigham was also on- and off-duty in 2003 due to administrative action and workers compensation claims. Bigham was fired in November and city officials have not discussed why, although multiple allegations of improper conduct with women had been investigated. Bigham has filed a $750,000 civil suit against the city and is claiming wrongful termination. Binding arbitration is scheduled for August, Reagles said. Earlier this month, Reagles said it would be irresponsible to hire a replacement for Bigham before the arbitration is settled. But, now that the department is officially down two officers, Reagles says finding a permanent replacement for Lehman’s position will be a priority. "We’re going to get right on hiring a replacement," said Reagles on Monday. "We’re going to move forward quickly to get back to speed." Police Chief Ken Lewis is looking forward to having more officers on staff. The department is fully funded at $750,000 for a chief and four full-time officers. For the past several weeks, it has been functioning with one officer, a staff sergeant and himself. "This (being understaffed and working overtime) will get to you," said Lewis. However, Lewis said finding a new officer would involve "stringent, professional and comprehensive" hiring practices. "It is so important to do the best job you can in hiring the best people you can," said Lewis. Reach reporter Sanne Specht at 776-4497 or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2005 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback Student Loan Consolidation Conference Calls - $50/Month Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker, Trunk, Footlockers home equity loans helzberg Distance Education Diamonds Slippers Student Loans afsa teleconferencing Memory Foam Mattress w2 forms Tatoo Fasa Advertisement s