Risk Management Assessment Reveals Misconduct Within Pawhuska Police Department; Police Chief and Sergeant Fired

Risk Management Assessment reveals misconduct within Pawhuska Police Department (KTUL)

PAWHUSKA, OKLA. (KTUL) — The Pawhuska Police Chief and a sergeant were fired after a Risk Management Assessment identified several incidents that put the department’s integrity and trust in question.

City Manager Jerry Eubanks laid out the reasons for their dismissal in a Risk Management Assessment memo.

The assessment identified an incident that happened on Feb. 20 involving Pawhuska Police Chief Lorrie Hennesy and City Manager Eubanks.

Chief Hennesy is accused of sending a photograph to Eubanks, which showed Hennesy holding a gun pointed towards the ground while giving the camera a stoic, intimidating glare.

Eubanks replied to the photo asking, “Is this a threat?”

The assessment also revealed that Hennesy and Sgt. Warren Towers allegedly placed firearms inside Eubanks’ vehicle, knowing he had a prior felony conviction.

After a meeting, Sgt. Towers is accused of un-holstering his service weapon and placing it behind Eubanks’ back on the chair.

Sgt. Towers and Chief Hennesy were reportedly laughing, but Eubanks stood up and moved to the door, expressing that it was inappropriate and not a joke.

During an interview, Sgt. Towers stated it was intended as a joke.

In an interview with Chief Hennesy, she admitted she was aware of her officer practicing the quick draw around the police station, which is against policy and procedures.

Incidents have also been documented within the police department of officers dry-firing their tasers at each other as a joke or form of “horseplay”, according to the memo.

A “Wall of Shame” was also noted in the memo.

A wall displaying pictures of Pawhuska Police officers sleeping on duty was seen during the risk assessment.

Chief Hennesy said it was a memorial showcasing officers caught sleeping.

The memo noted the practice undermines the critical importance of officers remaining awake and vigilant during their shifts.

City Manager Eubanks said the actions observed do not reflect effective leadership or professionalism.

The memo stated, “The findings of this risk assessment highlight significant issues within the Pawhuska Police Department’s leadership and operational practices. Addressing these concerns is essential to restoring public confidence and ensuring that the department operates in accordance with established standards and expectations.”