Shown here is New Martinsville's City Hall. New Martinsville City Council on Monday evening April 7, 2025, unanimously terminated the employment of a City Police Officer and Dispatcher.

New Martinsville City Council on Monday evening April 7, 2025, unanimously terminated the employment of a City Police Officer and Dispatcher. The city of New Martinsville announced on January 22, that an investigation was underway of one of the city’s employees. However at that time Mayor Keith Nelsen on the advice of the city’s legal counsel declined to say what department the employee worked for or what position the person held. He also did not disclose the nature of the investigation, only that it was being conducted internally. The police department also declined to comment and further denied a FOIA request from the Wetzel Chronicle. The department stated they were actively investigating the incident and awaiting a final ruling from the West Virginia Examiners Office. New Martinsville Police Chief Tim Cecil stated once they receive a ruling and all other evidence is cleared from the West Virginia State Police Crime Lab they will provide the appropriate information.

On Monday, Mayor Keith Nelsen provided the following statement.

“City Council conducted an Emergency Meeting this morning, including an Executive Session regarding an investigation of crime and the internal records and notations of law-enforcement agencies which are maintained for internal use in matters relating to law enforcement. Following the Executive Session, based upon the recommendation of Capt. Larsen, Council voted unanimously to terminate a Dispatcher. That employment decision has been conveyed to the employee in question.

Additionally, Capt. Larsen has recommended the termination of a New Martinsville Police Department officer, and Council has voted unanimously in favor of that recommendation. Because West Virginia law and police civil service rules afford due process rights to the affected officer, no further comment regarding these personnel issues will be made at this time.”

Attending Monday’s council meeting were Barry Dennis and Angel Dennis, children of Robert and Jasmine Dennis. Barry addressed council about the death of his parents from a murder/suicide, saying it could have been prevented had New Martinsville Police officer Friend Estep performed his duty and not dismissed the case when his mother was reaching out for help. Barry stated she had bruises on her face when the officer responded to her call for help the first time and he did nothing.

Angel then spoke, asking the council how they would feel if they had to witness their parents being taken out of a house on gurney’s when something could have been done if the officer would have done his duty. She said it’s very heartbreaking.

Mayor Nelsen apologized to the couple and said, ” We are sorry it took so long, but on the recommendation from Captain Don Larsen and after consulting with our attorney’s the officer and dispatcher will be terminated. I know that’s not going to help your parents now, but hopefully it eases a little bit of your suffering.”

The council then moved on and approved the March 2025 meeting minutes and the regular city invoices and financial reports.

Council approved a request from the Domestic Violence Group to do The Clothesline Project in the commons area outside of City Hall during the Back Home Festival.

A request from the city water & sewer department to approve the hiring of a Crew Maintenance Position was tabled until further information can be collected.

Councilman Joe Smith made a motion to combine both the Department Head and the Regular Council meetings into one meeting starting at 6 pm. The council approved the request.

Councilman Jody Albright made a motion to approve a travel request from the Electric Department for line school training in Columbus. The council approved the request.

Councilwoman Iris Issacs thanked the street department for their cleanup work during the recent hard rains. Also, Issacs mentioned the city cleanup days will be Friday, May 16, from 8 am to 2 pm and Saturday, May 17, from 8 am to 12 pm.

Councilman Steve Pallisco made the motion to remove the shift differential for the Police Department. The motion was approved by the council.

Pallisco also reported the Fire Department received 33 calls for the month of March. He said the WV Firefighter 2 class finished with 10 members being certified. This means all but two active members are trained as Firefighter 2. The Fire Department has been awarded a WV Forestry grant of $2000 to update and replace hose and appliances for brush and trash fires.