Just days after city officials confirmed a text message containing a racist joke was sent by a Vincent police officer, the city council approved a resolution to engage the termination of Police Chief James Srygley and Assistant chief John L. Goss, according to a report by WBRC.
The council also voted to disband the department and contract with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office for public safety services, the report noted.
The actions were taken during an emotional city council meeting Thursday evening.
Vincent Mayor James Latimore did not immediately respond Thursday night to AL.com about the council’s actions.
City Councilman Corey Abrams, reached at his home following the meeting, declined to confirm the specifics of the action taken, but said: “I’m still emotional about it.”
In the message, which surfaced on social media this week, someone identified as “752″ texts: “What do y’all call a pregnant slave?”
An unidentified recipient responds twice. “?” and “??”
“752″ answers: “BOGO Buy one, get one free”
During the council meeting, Abrams, who represents District 5, said: “This has torn this community apart. It doesn’t matter what color we are as long as we d right by people.”
On Tuesday, he said “appropriate action has been taken” against the officer alleged to have sent the text, though he would not then name the officer or anyone involved.
The City of Vincent’s website lists only three people in its police department: Srygley, Goss, and Lee Carden.