Rusk chief placed on administrative leave

RUSK – Our news partners at KETK report Rusk Police Chief Scott Heagney has been placed on administrative leave for the second time this year, according to Rusk City Manager Bob Goldsberry. Goldsberry told KETK News on Friday that Heagney is being put on administrative leave in connection with an “internal personnel matter” within the police department.

“The City of Rusk is aware of concerns relating to an internal personnel matter within the Police Department,” Golsberry said. “Because this matter involves confidential employment information, the City is legally limited in the information it can share.”

In April, Heagney was also placed on administrative leave when a complaint was filed against him. In Friday’s statement, the city made the following reassurances to the community:

“The City is following all legally required procedures, including the necessary steps for evaluating personnel in safety-sensitive positions.
No determination of wrongdoing has been made.
The City takes all employee concerns seriously, and the appropriate processes are being followed in consultation with legal counsel.
Public safety operations remain fully staffed and uninterrupted.
The City of Rusk remains firmly committed to transparency, due process, and the highest standards of professional conduct.”
The city said they would share updates about this matter when they legally can.