BENTONVILLE -- A grievance hearing for Lynn Hahn, who was fired from his job as jail commander with the Benton County Sheriff's Office, is set for 6 p.m. today.
Hahn was fired Dec. 30 and is asking to be reinstated and for an opportunity to clear his name. The hearing will be in the Quorum Courtroom in the County Administration Building, 215 E. Central Ave.
Hahn filed an initial request for a hearing Jan. 5. That request was denied without prejudice by county officials. George Spence, county attorney, said Hahn's first request "only makes summary allegations" and "fails to state a factual basis for a hearing."
In a second request Drew Miller, Hahn's attorney, argued the firing "was a completely arbitrary decision" not related to any legitimate governmental objective of the county. The second request also claims the county didn't follow its policies regarding disciplinary action for employees in Hahn's case.
Sheriff Shawn Holloway confirmed Hahn, who held the rank of captain and jail commander, was fired. Holloway declined to give reasons for Hahn's termination, citing an ongoing investigation concerning Hahn. Holloway said he wants to review the investigation to determine if firing was the right decision.
Miller said Holloway's confirmation of an investigation of Hahn "constitutes 'a stigmatizing event' publicly communicated by a county official."
NW News on 01/17/2017