Cape May City Council Votes To Demote Police Chief, Loses Councilman In The Process
By Cleve Bryan
CAPE MAY, N.J. (CBS) -- Cape May's City Council meeting took a raucous turn Tuesday night when members demoted Police Chief Robert Sheehan.
Councilman Jerry Inderwies, a retired Cape May fire chief, got so upset he resigned on the spot.
"They tarnished him, they defamed him, they put a black mark on his career. I've known Chief Sheehan for a long time and I could no longer sit at that table," says Inderwies who was just sworn in to Council in January.
Council voted 3-2 not to keep Sheehan as chief after a one year appointment.
Officials say before the vote there was a closed door discussion about Sheehan being involved with on-going police department investigation.
Cape May County Prosecutor Robert Taylor says Sheehan is not part of any criminal investigation and wouldn't give any details about what kind of investigation has been going on.
"I will say Sheehan is doing a good job," says Taylor.
"Everybody knows him and everybody respects him for the dedication he has for the city," says Councilman Shaine Meier voted with Inderwies in favor of Sheehan.
Council woman Beatrice Pessagno voted against keeping Sheehan as chief even though she respects him.
"I voted based on the information I know and that everyone else may not know," says Pessagno.
Sheehan could become chief again once the investigation is finished but the New Jersey Police Chiefs Association is challenging his demotion.
As for Inderwies, no regrets leaving council and he won't rule out running for mayor next year.
