Former Ludowici Police Department employee Robert Kicklighter and the city of Ludowici are in agreement that he no longer works for the city, but they are at odds over the circumstances surrounding his departure.
The city of Ludowici received a letter Dec. 26 from Kicklighter’s attorney, Joseph Segui, stating that he had been terminated by Police Chief James Rogers on Dec. 23. The letter also claims that Kicklighter was hired Oct. 8 and given the rank of captain. Some of his responsibilities included assisting with training and investigations, and policy and grant writing.
However, according to City Attorney Joe Kitchings, who spoke on behalf of the city of Ludowici, Kicklighter resigned and was not terminated. Kitchings said that when Kicklighter resigned, he turned in his badge and weapon to the police station. Kitchings also said at the time of his resignation, Kicklighter had worked only 76 days and had not completed his six-month probationary period of employment.
Segui said in his letter that his client is requesting that the Ludowici City Council schedule a hearing for the purpose of reviewing his employment status and other allegations.
Kitchings said that the there is no dispute over Kicklighter’s status, pointing out that he resigned and that his resignation had been accepted. For this reason, the attorney said, the council is not required to review the matter or schedule a hearing.
“If the council wishes to review the matter, they can,” Kitchings said, “but after gathering all of the information, there is no requirement by law for them to do so.”