Members of the Rockwood City Council voted unanimously Monday evening on two hires for the police department. Former Harriman Police Chief Randy Heidle and Roane County Sheriff Department Detective John Mayes both were hire as new officers under the direction of Rockwood Police Chief Bill Stinnett. Heidle will be a patrolman for the city while Mayes will be Assistant Chief to Stinnett. The two will take over their new roles immeditaely. Heidle resigned last summer after an internal investigation into what was described as low morale within the department he managed and some accusations he took city equipment for personal use led to his departure. The State Comptrollers office looked into the theft allegations but couldn’t find enough evidence to file charges.
Mayes has worked several years with different agencies and even a stint in Iraq with special security services before returning four years ago to go to work for the Roane County Sheriff’s Department. He also serves as a member of the Rockwood Fire Department part time.