An Memorandum of Understanding between Pine Bluffs and Cheyenne’s Police Department created a marriage between two police Depts.

In a special meeting Thursday morning, council approved hiring an additional police officer to help relieve the chief’s burden of being Pine Bluffs’ lone force, but another officer was relieved of his duties.

“It has become public knowledge that both (Brian Yeomens and Richard Hillhouse) are on leave. We hope all resolves soon, but it looks like it might take time,” Shain said after council exited executive session. “Public safety is paramount.”

Shain went on to explain the town will look into other opportunities for part-time assistance from outside agencies. Councilman Mark Fornstrom made the motion to approve the new position and Micheal Ragsdale seconded. Alan Curtis and Tom Mohren were not present at the meeting.

Town administrator Caryn Miller confirmed Monday that a memorandum of Understanding has been approved between Pine Bluffs and Cheyenne’s Police Department for two officers to patrol Pine Bluffs several days a week, until the new patrolman is hired. Cheyenne patrol began Tuesday.

Miller said in Thursday’s meeting the language for the police position should have the K-9 unit language removed, as there is no need for one at this time. The council approved her suggestion.

In a telephone interview Monday, Miller confirmed chief Don Taylor and council decided there was no need for Czar, Officer Hillhouse’s drug dog. Miller explained Czar was never officially hired and she had written job descriptions upon her arrival, as none existed previously.

Despite Miller’s belief Czar was never hired, the June 10, 2010, issue of the Pine Bluffs Post features an article that states “Czar was officially added to police ranks June 1.” The article also features Hillhouse and Czar receiving awards for a drug bust that took $380,000 worth of methamphetamine off the streets.

The pair were given awards for Criminalistic Excellence, Detector Case and from the United States Police Canine Association Region 14. Region president Mark Miller called Pine Bluffs “Fortunate to have such a great officer and canine” and mayor Bill Shain said, “I think I speak for all of us when I say how proud we are.”

Miller explained Taylor and Hillhouse had discussed months ago retiring Czar because of his age. Czar is 8 years old.

Another article in June describes Czar positively alerting for marijuana after being requested on a routine stop. A Nov. 18, 2010, issue of the Pine Bluffs Post showed Hillhouse and Czar working to educate the Pre-Kindergarten children during a special story time. So after 5 ½  years of awards and social service Czar is headed to the retirement dog house.

“A town our size has no need for a canine,” Miller said.

Also during the meeting, Shain informed council the Sixth Penny ballot could grow from the demands of Cheyenne. If the total is increased, Shain said the full project list will be submitted and will get whittled down if necessary. The new list would include archeological site repairs, dredging the sewer lagoon and a new playground at City Park. With added projects the town’s new list totals $10,028,900.