HORNER

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By WAYNE ALLEN

PDT Staff Writer

City officials have confirmed that Portsmouth Police Chief Charles Horner will not be back to work.

Horner has been on leave from the city since November and Capt. Robert Ware has been the officer-in-charge of the department since then.

Malone said Horner produced a Bureau of Workers Compensation claim three weeks into the leave of absence.

On Friday, Horner submitted a letter to Mayor David Malone stating his retirement will be effective Feb. 17 at 4 p.m.

“In November of 2011, I advised you (Malone) there would be a transition period in order to allow Capt. Robert Ware to make the adjustment from being the patrol captain to conducting himself of the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Portsmouth Police Department,” Horner stated. “Due to unforeseen circumstance, Capt. Ware’s transition and his acceptance of responsibilities were accelerated. Based on rank and past-practice, it is my recommendation that Capt. Ware be temporarily promoted to the position of acting chief of police, prior to or upon my retirement.”

Malone said he accepted Horner’s letter.

“Capt. Ware has officially been un-officially acting as the chief. Eventually, we will have to appoint him acting chief until we can give the (Civil Service) test,” Malone said. “The chief’s test will be given within 60 days of the effective date of chief’s retirement.”

Malone said he will likely appoint Ware acting chief the week after Horner’s retirement becomes effective.

Horner has announced his candidacy for Scioto County sheriff. He will run as an independent candidate.

Horner said he plans to focus his efforts on the campaign, among other things.

“This (retirement) will allow me two weeks to gather signatures. I hope to focus my time on my campaign as well as staying involved.” Horner said.

In his retirement letter, Horner said he also plans to volunteer with the Governor’s Council on Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services, SOLACE, the Garrett Maloney Foundation, Local Emergency Planning and the Scioto County Drug Action Team.