County hires new 911 director

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County hires new 911 director

Cannan worked in law enforcement before moving to county


By JEFF FISHER
jfisher@cherokeescout.com Friday, October 19, 2007 10:01 AM CDT Murphy – The county's search for a new 911 director ended with the hiring of Larry Cannan, who will officially take over the position Monday, County Manager David Badger said.


For more on this story, see the Oct. 24 edition of the Cherokee Scout.

Let me enlighten the public a little about Mr. Larry Cannan. He worked at the Broward Sheriff's Office correctional jail from 1991 till three years later. He then received his L.E. officer state certification and became a police officer with Boca Raton Police Department for six years. This shows him possibly close to 10 years in law-enforcement if you run both professions concurrent. Actually, only 6 years were served with the City Police as an officer. The City Police of Boca Raton Florida is a 20 year retirement deal with the City, and not a state retirement, which requires 10 years minimum. Florida Department of Law-Enforcement shows his separation in Florida to be 2000. His service in Florida was 1991-2000. Regardless, he was a police officer for 6 years only!

Now, would it surprise the public that our prior Murphy Chief of Police, Mark Thigpen applied for this position and was not even afforded an interview for the position. Chief Thigpen has close to 18 years if not more, and all his L.E. experience in North Carolina. Mark had certifications in just about every aspect of L.E. and has worked as the commander of our drug task force and later became the Chief of Police for Murphy. Does the public forget why Mark was removed as our Chief? Does the public know that the Sheriff has sought the control of the 911 center for years and now his commissioner Jonathan ****ey, the brother to Trooper Tony ****ey places one of their own into power.

Larry is a nice person, and I have no doubt to think he will make a honest attempt in doing a good job for our county. The point is, why does nepotism plague our county? Larry lacks many of the qualifications required for a 911 director, but is placed into position because of the GOB network. Just because David Badger states he is qualified does not make it so. Its a very sad day once again for Cherokee county when several very qualified applicants were discarded in lieu of Larry. The public needs to seek out the qualifications of the others involved and have Larry voluntarily provide his qualifications to the public. Because state law prohibits the release of personnel records, it will have to be a voluntary action on Larry's part.

Did not Mr. ****ey hire one of his employee's husband as a deputy last year?
The blond hair gal is always talking about her husband being a deputy at Fat Backs.

It is a d@mn disgrace what is happening in this county.