Have Yourselves a Merry Lit'tle Blunder

ELLSWORTH — Glenn Moshier was dismissed as both Police Chief and City Manager of the town of Ellsworth, stemming from a December 22nd incident when it is alleged an off-duty Moshier showed up to the police station drunk, following an officer-involved shooting.

 The city council voted 6-0 to dismiss Moshier following an investigation into the incident. On December 22nd, an Ellsworth Police officer shot a local man in the arm after the man fired shots at officers attempting to inform him of a warrant. Moshier got the call at 10:30 pm, in bed after having what he claims was five beers earlier. His wife drove him to the station, stopping off for iced tea and gum. Officers who were present state that Moshier was "acting uncharacteristically loud and emotional". The investigation into Moshier's actions that night was taken up by the City Council following a complaint to the Council's chairperson. Typically, investigations are conducted by the city manager, but with Moshier acting as both, this presented a slight conflict of interest.

Was Chief Moshier out of line and irresponsible on the night of the 22nd? Or is he a passionate people leader who was there for his guys? Let's examine both.

 Something to consider about the time of the incident is it was the holiday season, so hoop-de-doo and dickory dock. Why is this relevant? Because of the Santa (hat) Clause. From the 22nd to the 27th of December, you can be as drunk as you want - no questions asked, as long as you are wearing a Santa hat. And how drunk was Chief Moshier? Well, if a city council testimony says five beers, a visit to the doctor's office would say ten, and in reality, it would be closer to fifteen. I actually happen to believe Moshier's can count. What I think was omitted were several shots of Rumple Minze in some hot cocoa. I suspect the German-style peppermint liqueur since it typically results in being uncharacteristically loud and emotional.

Considering how the news was presented to City Manager Moshier is also worth noting. Moshier was awoken from a dead sleep and heard "officer shooting". He got fired up and maybe a bit confused about what had actually taken place. He rushed to the station, after asking his wife to drive and stopping off for an iced tea and some Juicy Fruit gum. It is not noted in the report, but character testimony would suggest he had brought enough gum to share.

Next, we can examine that the weapon Moshier brought was not, in fact, his service weapon but a personal firearm. This just sounds like a classic mix-up. Who among us has not thought, "Shucks, grabbed my wrong gun"? The notice of termination also notes that Police Chief Moshier failed to submit a report on the incident in a timely manner. I would again like to cite the Santa (hat) Clause.

I think Moshier is genuine with what he was doing there that night with what he presented to the council in his letter. He was "attempting to be supportive of his officers." However, both things can be true: City Manager, Police Chief, or just civilian should probably not be dropped off late at night at a police station drunk, armed, and acting uncharacteristically loud and emotional. In fact, one of those three people would likely be shot on sight. Glenn Moshier beefed up, and Ellsworth's City Council was right to dismiss him from both of his previously held positions.

But Chief Moshier also sounds like a grade A foxhole guy, and if I ever shoot a man in the arm, I hope he is there after, drunk, loud, emotional, and with enough gum to share.

Portland Press Herald Story