Pearson steps down as marshal

CLOVERDALE -- After a career in law enforcement with Cloverdale that can be traced back more than a decade, Don Pearson has once again resigned as its town marshal.

The announcement was made during the town council meeting Tuesday through a resignation letter written by Pearson. The letter stated Pearson's decision to leave the post was due to "political pressure." His resignation was effective at midnight Jan. 10. He was not present at the meeting.

After eight years of service to Cloverdale, Pearson resigned in 2004 to "pursue another position in law enforcement," a Banner Graphic article stated. He was later reinstalled as Cloverdale's town's marshal at the end of 2007.

During his tenure, Pearson re-established the reserve program with 13 volunteer officers. In addition to serving as Cloverdale's town marshal, Pearson served as Fillmore's deputy marshal following the resignation of Tim Walker in April 2008.

Pearson's career in law enforcement began in 1986 as a reserve officer. He worked as an officer at DePauw University, Brooklyn and Greencastle. He was also a county coroner.

Town council members voted to accept John Chadd as the interim marshal until a permanent replacement for Pearson can be found. Chadd, who is a full-time deputy with the Putnam County Sheriff's Department, will handle scheduling and general management of the department.

"It has been cleared with the sheriff and there isn't a conflict," council member Terry Puffer said during the meeting.

Chadd will receive $250 per week for his services.

During the meeting, questions about two claims for police uniforms were brought to the table. The concern was a recent discussion between the council and Pearson regarding a foreseeable need for uniforms.

Pearson indicated there was not a foreseeable need for the department. Yet, there were two claims in excess of $2,000 for items such as flashlights and holsters, among other things. The claims were tabled until the next town council meeting.