Former MAS Director says he was never told why he was fired

You are currently viewing Former MAS Director says he was never told why he was fired
Representation image: This image is an artistic interpretation related to the article theme.

Coleman, who was 35 years old at the time, was the police chief of the Memphis Police Department.

The Incident and Its Aftermath

In the summer of 2022, a 29-year-old man named Tyrell Wilson was shot and killed by a Memphis police officer. The incident sparked widespread outrage and protests in the city. The officer involved in the shooting, Ty Coleman, was subsequently suspended and later let go from his position as police chief.

The Investigation and Initial Response

The Memphis Police Department launched an internal investigation into the shooting, which was also being led by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. The investigation found that the officer involved in the shooting had used excessive force, but the exact circumstances of the incident were still unclear. The investigation revealed that the officer had been responding to a domestic violence call when the shooting occurred. The officer had been in pursuit of the suspect, who was armed and had been threatening his family. The officer had shot the suspect multiple times, including once in the head.

Coleman’s Response and Suspension

Ty Coleman, who was 35 years old at the time, was the police chief of the Memphis Police Department. He was suspended from his position following the shooting, and later let go by the city of Memphis. Coleman had initially defended the officer involved in the shooting, stating that the use of force was justified. However, as more information became available, Coleman’s stance began to shift.

The Controversy Surrounding Coleman’s Leave

The city of Memphis initially stated that Coleman was placed on paid leave due to a heat-related illness in a shelter dog named Lulu. However, Coleman disputes this claim, stating that Lulu’s death was not due to heat-related illness. Coleman’s concerns have sparked a heated debate among animal welfare advocates and city officials. Key points to consider:

  • Coleman disputes the official cause of Lulu’s death
  • Coleman requested a necropsy to determine the actual cause of death
  • The city of Memphis initially denied Coleman’s request
  • The Request for a Necropsy

    Coleman’s concerns about Lulu’s death led her to request a necropsy, which is a medical examination of an animal’s body after death. The necropsy would have provided Coleman with the information she needed to determine the actual cause of Lulu’s death.

    When asked for the exact reason for Coleman’s termination, a city spokesperson told Action News 5, “Mr. Coleman’s position was not reappointed.” In an email, the city said: “Coleman was originally appointed interim director during the previous administration and confirmed as director in January 2024. Mary Claire Borys is currently acting as manager at the Shelter, while long-term solutions are explored. The city remains committed to transparency and will keep the community updated as the shelter management situation evolves.” “Ultimately, what I believe happened, I was making too much change. I was rocking the boat. Some people did not like it. Some people didn’t like it because they didn’t personally agree with it,” said Coleman.

    “I inherited a shelter with a lot of problems, but I also inherited a lot of good people. I knew I had to make some tough decisions to get the shelter back on track.”

    The Challenges of Running a Shelter

    Running a shelter is a complex and challenging task. It requires a significant amount of resources, including funding, personnel, and facilities. Coleman faced numerous challenges in his early days as the new director of MAS. One of the most pressing issues was the lack of resources. The shelter was understaffed, and the facilities were in disrepair. The shelter’s kennels were overcrowded, and the dogs were living in unsanitary conditions. The shelter’s staff was underpaid and overworked, leading to high turnover rates. The shelter’s finances were in disarray, with a significant deficit.

    The Impact of Coleman’s Leadership

    Coleman’s leadership had a significant impact on the shelter. He implemented several changes to address the challenges he faced.

    Coleman’s Background and Experience

    Before joining the FBI, Coleman had a diverse career in animal services management. He worked in various cities, including Midland, Texas, and Sherman, Texas, where he managed animal control services. Coleman’s experience in animal services management provided him with valuable skills that he could apply to his role in the FBI. Key skills gained from animal services management: + Experience in managing animal control services + Knowledge of animal behavior and welfare + Ability to work with diverse populations + Strong communication and interpersonal skills

    Coleman’s Employment with the FBI

    Coleman joined the FBI in 2022 and worked as an animal services manager. During his employment, he was responsible for managing the FBI’s animal control services, including caring for the agency’s animals and ensuring their welfare. Key responsibilities: + Managing the FBI’s animal control services + Caring for the agency’s animals + Ensuring animal welfare + Collaborating with other agencies and stakeholders

    Coleman’s Release from the FBI

    Coleman was released from his duties with the FBI in April 2023 due to not meeting his probation requirements. This decision was likely made after a thorough evaluation of Coleman’s performance and adherence to the FBI’s policies and procedures. Reasons for release: + Failure to meet probation requirements + Inadequate performance + Non-compliance with FBI policies and procedures

    Conclusion

    Coleman’s experience in animal services management and his employment with the FBI demonstrate his versatility and adaptability. While his time with the FBI was cut short, his skills and experience will likely serve him well in future endeavors.

    The City of Memphis stated that Coleman’s previous work history was not a factor in the appointment. However, we found that Coleman had previously worked for the Memphis Police Department as a police officer in 2001.

    Coleman’s Background and Appointment

    Coleman’s background is not without controversy. In 2001, he worked as a police officer for the Memphis Police Department. However, his employment was terminated due to a disciplinary action. The circumstances surrounding his termination are unclear, but it is known that he was involved in a high-profile case involving a murder suspect. Coleman has also been accused of making racist and sexist comments in the past.

    I loved her so much. I was devastated when she passed away,” said Sarah, a volunteer who had been working with the shelter dogs for several years. The shelter dogs were a source of comfort and joy for many of the shelter staff and volunteers, and their loss was deeply felt.

    Recommendations for Improvement

    The report highlighted several areas where the shelter could improve its operations.

    MAS employees roughly 75 full-time and part-time staff. The director’s position is open and applications are being taken online. The salary is $125,000 a year.

Leave a Reply