Chiefs Read Free Page A

experienced police officer of good character to Delano without paying approximately fifty percent more money than we can afford. The best advice I had was from the chief at La Grange. In his opinion, the kinds of problems a chief would face in Delano could be handled by a local man of good standing, with the support of the council and the help of the sheriff and state patrol when needed. I concur in that opinion.”
    Frank Mudter spoke up. “Our problems here are traffic and petty crimes, with a little peacekeeping thrown in down in Braytown. Anybody with a good head on his shoulders and a fairly strong arm ought to be able to handle the job.” There were murmurs of agreement from Birdsong and Maddox.
    “Who are your applicants?” asked Idus Bray.
    Holmes took a deep breath. “The first application I’d like for the council to consider is that of Francis Funderburke.” There was a moment of silence, followed by a shout of laughter. Holmes kept a straight face. “Foxy feels that his military experience and his proficiency with firearms qualify him for the job.”
    Ben Birdsong smiled. “Well, if we want anybody shot, I guess Foxy’s our man.”
    “More likely, somebody’d shoot him,” said Idus Bray.
    Holmes persisted. “I told Foxy I’d see that the council would give his application serious consideration.”
    “Consider it considered,” said Ben Birdsong. There was a chorus of agreement.
    “I move that the application of Francis Funderburke for the position of chief of police be put to a vote,” said Holmes.
    “Seconded,” said Dr. Mudter.
    “All those in favor of acceptance of this application, signify by saying, ‘Aye.’ ” Silence. “All those opposed to the acceptance of this application, say, “Nay.’ ” There was a volley of nays. “I also vote nay, so the decision of the council is unanimous in rejecting the application of Francis Funderburke.” Holmes set aside Foxy’s letter and picked up another sheet of paper. “The next applicant for the position of chief of police is William Henry Lee.” There was a thoughtful silence.
    “Will Henry?”
    “Weevil get him?”
    “Yes.”
    “Well, he’s as honest as the day is long, like his daddy.”
    “He’s a good persuader. At deacons’ meetings he seems to be able to put a point without getting folks mad at him.”
    “Can he take care of himself?”
    “I went to country school with him. I never saw him start a fight, but I never saw him let anybody push him around, either.”
    “Will he do it for the money?”
    “Yes,” said Holmes. “But if he works out, I think we ought to consider giving him more after a while. He’s got a family.”
    “Is he all right with guns?”
    “He won’t use a shotgun, but I’ve seen him shoot squirrel with a .22.”
    “He’s a good man in the church. I reckon he’s about as respected as any man around here his age.”
    “How old is Will Henry, anyway?”
    “About thirty. He was two years behind me in school.”
    There was silence again. Holmes had not spoken except to answer questions. Now he said his piece. “Will Henry’s a responsible man. He’s not stupid, and I don’t think he’d ever use the job to push anybody around, the way Foxy might. He pays his bills, and he’s from an old family in Meriwether County. He’s never been a very successful farmer, but he’s had the gumption to stick to it until the weevil came along. When that happened he had the good sense to get out before he was over his head . In debt. He’s well known as a man of character and a Christian. He’s never done anything but farm, but I think if he took the job he’d feel obligated to give it his best, and I think that could be pretty good. I think we should hire him.”
    “So moved,” said Frank Mudter without hesitation.
    “Seconded,” said Ben Birdsong.
    “All in favor, say, ‘Aye.’ “
    There was a collective aye from everybody but Idus Bray. “Well, I guess if you’re bent on having a chief,