BALDWIN, FL -- The town of Baldwin is about to lose its local police force. Councilmember’s voted Tuesday night to abolish the Baldwin Police Department to save money.
Baldwin Police Chief Guy Turcotte says the department cut crime by nearly 50% last year.
The mayor says the issue isn't the work the department does, but the money the town needs to save to stay afloat.
Many people are sad to see the department go, especially the workers in Herndon Brothers Cycle Werks in the heart of Baldwin.
"We do a quality work for a fair price," said Glenn Guidry.
Some of that work went out the window when the motorcycle shop was burglarized.
"The police department actually apprehended the guys who did it, arrested them and they got the mini chopper back," said Guidry.
Guidry says he feels good with the local police watching the shop and the small town of 1,700.
He's worried about response time now.
"Somebody could clean us out before JSO got here just because they're so far away," said Guidry.
Chief Turcotte tells First Coast News he fought to get in office, and he'll fight to keep the police department.
The mayor says he knows the decision isn't popular, but it needed to be done to save Baldwin's budget.
Chief Turcotte is looking into legal action.
"A simple motion was made to abolish an entire police department," said Charles Schmitt, Turcotte's attorney. "The motion was seconded, there was no discussion, and I didn't hear a single budget figure discussed."
The same issue was up for vote last year. It failed by one vote.
The target date to abolish the Baldwin Police Department is set for next March.
Created: 12/13/2005 10:26:14 PM Updated: 12/14/2005 8:22:20 AM Edited by lindy thackston, reporter
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