Ernie Doss, director of the Lincoln County Department of Public Safety, submitted his resignation to Commission Chairman Wade Johnson on Monday, February 16.

The resignation was tendered in the wake of a decision made by the board of commissioners to take the E-911 center away from the public safety department and place it under the control of the sheriff's office.

Doss' resignation goes into effect February 27.

The major portion of his letter of resignation, addressed to the chairman, appears below:

"I would like to say that it has been a pleasure to work for your administration, but those words would be as empty and meaningless as the support that I have received from a majority of the board of commissioners.

"Since you took office 47 days age, there has been a systematic and deliberate effort to terminate my employment with Lincoln County. Since neither you nor anyone else has been able to provide evidence of unsatisfactory performance, I can only assume that the reasons to remove me are political — I did not support the right people in the recent elections. This cannot be more evident than in the board's recent decision to move 911 to the sheriff's control. The sheriff's supporters have been prophesying this decision since the night of the election.

"While my heart tells me to stay in Lincoln County and continue serving my friends, neighbors, and community, I can no longer ignore the continuous attacks by narrow-minded, bitter individuals on both my personal and professional reputations. Reputation, honor, and dignity are my core values, and I value them more than I value this position.

"I would like to thank all those that have supported me, past and present, especially Commissioner Larry Collins and Commissioner Cooper Cliatt, who truly have the county's interest at heart. I hope and pray that with my departure, the witch hunt will end and the board can move forward."

In an interview on Tuesday, February 17, Chairman Johnson said he hated the fact that Doss had resigned.

"On Friday (February 13), I asked Mr. Doss to reconsider, and he said he would think about it," stated the chairman. "I told him his salary would remain the same and that I didn't want him to leave. As soon as I received his letter, I tried to call him, but he wasn't in his office.

"I'm sure Mr. Doss will be missed for all he's done for the community, both personally and professionally."

Commissioner Rob Robinson declined to comment on the letter.