For the Intelligencer
File Photo – During a July press conference Martins Ferry Police Chief John McFarland, right, and Mayor John Davies talk about why the city decided to fire Officer Tim Starkey. He was rehired recently after an arbitrator ruled in his favor.
MARTINS FERRY – The city rehired a Martins Ferry police officer who was fired for sharing a social media post about the Black Lives Matter movement that city leaders deemed inappropriate.
But it appears the city did not have a choice in the matter, according to statements made by Mayor John Davies.
Last July, Officer Tim Starkey lost his job after the post came to the attention of Davies and Police Chief John McFarland. The decision to fire Starkey was made public during a press conference held in front of the city building.