Bangs Chief of Police Butch Lawson was terminated Tuesday night after lengthy discussion in both open and executive sessions of a four hour city council meeting

Lawson and his attorney, Lance Wyatt of Southlake, Texas, appeared before the council to discuss a confrontation that led to the firing of Lawson.

Dialogue between Lawson and Wyatt with council members during the council’s open session indicated that Lawson was initially suspended with pay due to subordination toward council member Waymon Shepherd.  According to Lawson, this took place on Friday, September 9th during an incident described as a meeting with Lawson, City Manager Leo Smith, City Attorney Mark Bessent and Officer Troy Gruesendorf.  After that meeting, Lawson was asked to turn in his keys, return the patrol car, and to leave the office.  Lawson stated that he was not allowed to get his personal belongings at that time.

Lawson admitted to a confrontation with City Manager Leo Smith in front of City Hall and that he regretted what happened that day as he cleaned out his patrol car of personal effects.

“I admit, I called Mr. Smith some things I regret,” said Lawson.

Councilman Rick Phelps spoke on Lawson’s behalf before a vote was taken.

“Butch is a good officer and has done a hell of a job since he got here,” stated Phelps.  “He’s had a better rapport with the public than many previous chiefs have.  During that talk with Waymon, Mr. Smith, and Butch, mistakes were made that day.”

Council member Carol Wells commented about Lawson not being given written notice of termination until he asked specifically for this document, which would also outline his responsibilities or liabilities at that time.

“Why was a letter not written prior to this discussion, why was it verbal, then written after the fact?” asked Wells.

Smith and Bessent stated that they were not advised to provide anything in writing by Texas Municipal League attorneys.  Bessent described the incident as “very fluid.”

After council came out of executive session, a vote of 2-2 from council was taken with the tie-breaking vote favoring the termination of Lawson being cast by Mayor Eric Bishop.

Lawson served at Bangs Police Department over two years before his termination on Tuesday night.