New Little River County sheriff fires 9 workers

— Outgoing Little River County Sheriff Danny Russell says Sheriff-elect Gary Gregory is dismissing seven deputy sheriffs, a transport deputy and the chief dispatcher.

Gregory was elected to succeed Russell — who is retiring — and will be sworn in Jan. 1. Gregory did not return phone calls seeking comment.

Russell told the Texarkana Gazette that Gregory will retain four dispatchers and two transport officers.

Chief dispatcher Martha Sue Abney says she received her letter and the others for her to deliver to affected employees on Dec. 21.

Russell and Abney say the employees were told they had to reapply for their jobs after Gregory was elected and that the letters informing them they would not be retained came from the employment review board after they interviewed with the board.

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