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Public commenters ask Mooresville to investigate commissioner’s claimed law-enforcement credentials
Summary
During public comment, a resident alleged that Commissioner Gary West has repeatedly claimed prior service as a sworn officer in Aurora, CO and Albuquerque, NM, but that public-record checks found no evidence. The speaker asked the board to ask Commissioner West for documentation and to consider removing him from the public-safety committee if he cannot substantiate the claims.
A member of the public presented documents and described outreach to two police agencies during the June 1 public-comment period, saying he found no records showing Commissioner Gary West served as a sworn officer with the Aurora (CO) or Albuquerque (NM) police departments.
The commenter (who identified himself in the meeting record as Dan Gro) said he searched public records and submitted public‑records requests to both departments; he also cited a Colorado peace‑officer certification search that, he said, did not list West as certified. He said he submitted photographic exhibits and reported that both Aurora and Albuquerque records staff confirmed no record of a sworn officer named Gary West in their rosters going back to their archival records.
"I have found no evidence supporting Mr. West has ever been a police officer with Aurora or Albuquerque," the speaker said, and requested that the board ask the commissioner to provide documentation backing his public claims. The speaker further asked that, if the commissioner could not produce verifying documentation, the board remove him from the public‑safety committee.
Board and staff response: The speaker turned the investigative folder over to the police chief for review and asked town staff and the chief to examine whether any record or criminal violation resulted from representations about being a retired law-enforcement officer. The transcript does not show Commissioner West responding in the public-comment period nor a formal board action on the request during the same meeting.
Why it matters: Public confidence in oversight committees is a civic concern and allegations about public officials’ credentialing can affect committee assignments and public trust. The commenter requested factual verification and a response from the commissioner or the police chief; the meeting record documents the request but does not record a subsequent verification in the same session.
Next steps: The speaker handed the supporting records to Chief Ron Campani (the police chief) and asked the chief and town staff to investigate and report back. The board did not take immediate disciplinary action on the floor during the meeting; any formal investigation or personnel action would follow normal town procedures and legal requirements.
