Supporters Rally for Police Lieutenant

A large crowd in support of Police Lt. Ken Reid Monday did not take kindly to City Council President Cory Storch's explanation that the governing body could not resolve his situation.

Though first saying they couldn't talk about it, speakers alluded to a possible demotion or forced retirement for Reid, a 30-year veteran of the Plainfield Police Division. Reid's sister Linda said Reid was in a hospital bed when told he might want to think about retiring and "this will go away."

After numerous speakers praised Reid's devotion to the community, Storch said, "We appreciate everything you are saying. At the same time, this is an administrative matter. The mayor has nothing to do with it and the City Council has nothing to do with it."

As Storch noted a "chain of command" for police, someone yelled, "It is your problem!"

Storch said there had to be fact-finding and it was an internal police matter.

"To ask the council to intervene - even if we'd like to, we can't," he said.

With that, most of the group left the meeting.

The supporters had formed a circle and prayed outside Municipal Court while waiting to be let in for the 7:30 p.m. meeting. Inside, they sat calmly for two hours until their chance to speak. As individuals praised Reid's dedication or told how Reid had helped them, the audience applauded. Reid's son, also a police officer, said his father was facing disciplinary action.

"I've never seen my father so discouraged," he said. "I don't understand."

"And we don't either," someone yelled.

The crowd applauded, then stamped their feet and chanted, "Kenny Reid! Kenny Reid!"

Supporters called Reid "a man of God who talks about God all the time," "an agent of change" and "a great cop."

Resident Les Judkins called him "my good friend" who would answer his calls for help at any time.

He told the council members, "You are all citizens of Plainfield and can stand up" for Reid.

"To say you can do nothing, I'm appalled" he said. "Kenny Reid is the face of Plainfield. You just walked half the people out (of the building)."

Judkins closed with a hint of retaliation at the polls.

Corporation Counsel David Minchello has often reminded the council and other officials not to comment on personnel matters. Police Director Carl Riley was present but said nothing regarding Reid.

--Bernice