
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, July 23, 1993                   TAG: 9307230198
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-9   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: DUBLIN                                LENGTH: Short

DUBLIN POLICE'S ONLY INVESTIGATOR TURNS IN BADGE

Steve Wallen, Dublin Police Department's only investigator, has resigned. Wallen turned in his badge last Thursday, Town Administrator Gary Elander said.

Elander said Wallen, a veteran lawman, wanted to get out of police work. "He's been doing some construction work lately," he said.

Wallen, 45, had served twice on the Dublin force, the first time from 1983 until 1984, when he joined the Pulaski Police Department. Wallen returned to Dublin as an investigator in 1988.

Elander said he did not know if the town would replace Wallen on the force, which is now down to five members.

In late May, Dublin Mayor Benny Keister fired Police Chief Jim McKenney. McKinney is considering legal action against the town.

Capt. Jay Vest is the ranking department officer, Elander said.

In June, Town Council had agreed to consider a motion to reduce the Police Department by one person. The motion subsequently was withdrawn.

by CNB