Following a brief appeal hearing Monday, Doerun City Council agreed to uphold its dismissal of former Police Chief Randy Hill by a 4-1 margin.

Council members Richard Bridwell, Mike Campbell, George Saunders and Don Senkbeil cast votes to deny Hill’s appeal, with council member Donald Irvin opposed.

Hill was dismissed June 12.

The council did not give any explanation for the firing, but in his opening remarks Mayor Wade Ethridge referenced a “lack of cooperation” with other law enforcement agencies.

“It is with a great deal of regret the decision has been made to terminate Mr. Hill,” Ethridge said. “There are significant management issues with the department.”

The Colquitt County Sheriff’s Department has not had any issues with Hill, Sheriff Al Whittington said during a telephone interview Monday afternoon.

“Not that I know of,” he said. “We always got along with Randy. I like Randy. He’s a good guy.”

Hill told council members that he has received calls of support from a number of law enforcement agencies, including the sheriffs in Mitchell and Worth counties. In two days a petition supporting Hill has received nearly 400 signatures, he said. Read more details of Hill's appeal in Tuesday's Moultrie Observer.