LEBANON — A two-year-old Facebook comment by Tyson Warmoth has led to his removal as Lebanon police chief, after three years on the job.
The announcement came Friday from Lebanon Mayor Matt Gentry:
Two days ago, I was made aware of a comment Tyson made on his son’s Facebook page in February 2017, while serving as Chief. This comment was crass, demeaning, and unacceptable. As Mayor, I have strict ethical policies, and high expectations how city employees in leadership positions carry themselves. Tyson violated that policy and significant changes were necessary. Tyson is a decorated officer that has served this community for 23 years. His decisive and heroic actions on March 2, 2018 will not be forgotten.
Warmoth remains on the police department as a captain and was suspended for three days without pay.
He has been with the department 23 years and is asking the community to forgive him for what he called "an error in judgment."
"I made a crude and offensive comment in jest while bantering with my adult son on his personal Facebook page. This comment was inappropriate and immature," Warmoth said in a statement issued Friday. "This post recently came to the public's attention after a private citizen had taken a screenshot and posted it on their personal Facebook page. I will not defend the statement as there is no defense for it."
Warmoth went on to describe the comment as "inappropriate banter between father and son on a public-accessed forum."
Assistant Chief Brad Bailey takes over the department on an interim basis.
