The latest complaint came from Otis Henry, Sherman’s former police chief, who contends he was forced to retire in December by city manager Robby Hefton due to his age. Zachary Flores, 31, a former Sherman police officer who then became Sherman’s human resources manager, was named Henry’s replacement.
Another Sherman officer, assistant chief Bob Fair, in April filed a complaint alleging age discrimination. Fair, who became assistant chief in 2014 and had worked for the police department since 1979, said "I was not given an opportunity to apply for the job, even though I am certainly qualified for the position." Fair still is employed by the police department, but has been out of work since December on medical leave.
Hefton in a statement said Henry needed to go because of poor leadership. Nate Strauch, spokesman for the city, said Flores is the right person for the position of police chief. "The Department is in much, much better shape than it was under Otis Henry's leadership, so we are happy about that,” Strauch said. “We're glad that our men and women in blue come to work every day and they find a workplace that really has changed.”
Former employees Wayne Blackwell and Jonathan Kirksey also filed complaints. Blackwell had been the human resources director until he said he was demoted to training manager in January and Kirksey, the former assistant director of public works, filed a complaint noting he was demoted due to his race.