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Florence hires Dewan Stapleton as full-time officer; city sells service pistol to retiring officer
Summary
In executive session the board approved hiring Dewan Stapleton as a full-time police officer at $21.06 per hour pending background checks; the board also recognized Officer John Denton’s retirement and approved selling his city-issued Glock 17 to him for $1 under Section 45-9-191.
The City of Florence mayor and board took personnel actions related to the police department during and after an executive session on Aug. 19, 2025.
After first approving going into executive session to discuss a police personnel matter, the board voted in executive session, on Chief Brad Burns’ recommendation, to hire Dewan Stapleton as a full-time police officer at $21.06 per hour, with employment to begin Aug. 20, 2025, contingent on a successful background check and drug and alcohol testing. The hiring motion, made by Alderman Brian Grantham and seconded by Alderman Mason Herrin, passed with Aldermen John Banks, Brian Grantham, Mason Herrin, Kyle Martin and Brent Sistrunk recorded as voting Aye. The board then returned to regular session at 6:50 p.m.
Separately, the board recognized the retirement of Officer John Denton and, citing Section 45-9-191 of the Mississippi Code, agreed to establish a value of $1.00 for a city-issued sidearm (Glock 17, serial # BHBU266) and to accept Denton’s offer to purchase the weapon for that amount. Alderman Brian Grantham moved and Alderman John Banks seconded that motion; it carried unanimously. Mayor Trey Gunn adjourned the meeting at 6:55 p.m.
The minutes show the hiring decision was made in executive session and note the statutory citation for the sale of the service weapon. The record includes the pay rate and the requirement that the hire be contingent on routine checks; further onboarding details were not recorded in the minutes.
