JERRY FINK

MANAGING EDITOR

Charles “Bub” Hammett Jr., a deputy with the McIntosh County Sheriff ’s office, was terminated by the county commissioners at their weekly meeting on March 3.

The termination came following an executive session. No reason was given for the decision.

Prior to joining the Sheriff ’s department, Hammett was a captain on the Eufaula Police Department for many years.

In 2009 he received an Award of Commendation from the Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police for his efforts in drug control in the Eufaula area. Hammett was lead investigator and coordinator for the Eufaula Police Department’s drug task force.

Hammett was with the EPD for more than 20 years and with the Sheriff ’s Office for almost 10 years, serving as security officer at the courthouse.

Prior to joining the EPD in 1989, the Eufaula native was with the Dallas Police Department for two years.

He was one of those who investigated the 2004 murder of former Eufaula City Councilman Larry Nichols, who was shot to death in his home.

As a result of the investigation Richard Lopez Jr. was arrested and charged with second degree murder in 2006. After pleading guilty, he was sentenced in 2007 to 20 years in prison.

In 2009, Capt. Hammett served briefly as interim Eufaula police chief prior to the hiring of Don Murray.

Other Commissioner business The Commissioners tabled a request by Community EMS ambulance service of Checotah to be put on a rotation with Pafford EMS, which currently serves McIntosh County.

Currently, Community EMS is called when Pafford isn’t available.

Assistant District Attorney Greg Stidham said he didn’t know if the contract between Pafford and the county would allow a rotation between the two services.

While the issue is examined to determine what the contract allows, the request was tabled.