BENTONVILLE -- Lynn Hahn, who was fired Dec. 30 from his job as jail commander with the Benton County Sheriff's Office, withdrew his request for a grievance hearing just hours before it was set to begin Tuesday.
Drew Miller, Hahn's attorney, sent the county a brief statement confirming Hahn's decision.
"Lynn Hahn is withdrawing his request for a grievance and name-clearing hearing that has been scheduled for tonight," Miller wrote. "He is very thankful to the county judge and committee members for giving him the ability to have a hearing to accomplish those requests, particularly for clearing his name. He is proud to have represented, in his capacity, the county for over 13 years. The members know Lynn's record has been unblemished for those 13 years, and to continue at this stage only accomplishes additional county expense and time that can be used for better purposes. He has been fortunate to establish a reputation that has already led to potential future employment and his desire to go to work for the county as a Benton County Sheriff's Deputy no longer exists."
George Spence, county attorney, said Hahn's decision to withdraw his grievance ends the county's involvement. Hahn filed an initial grievance that was denied without prejudice after Spence determined it failed to state a factual basis for a claim. A hearing was set for 6 p.m. Tuesday after a second request was filed. Spence said the county will not accept any additional grievance requests from Hahn.
Sheriff Shawn Holloway had confirmed Hahn, who held the rank of captain and jail commander, was fired but declined to give reasons for Hahn's firing, citing an ongoing investigation concerning Hahn. Holloway said he wanted to review the investigation to determine if firing was the right decision.
Holloway said he had been prepared to proceed with the hearing. He said the situation was "unfortunate" but the Sheriff's Office was ready to move on.
"I'm saddened by it," Holloway said of Hahn's termination. "It's unfortunate that his many years of service had to end this way. I wish him well in his endeavors. We're going to continue to move forward and to hold our people to the highest standards."
Hahn said he had little to add to the statement from Miller.
"I love Benton County and have no regrets," he said. "I pray everything works out for the best with Sheriff Holloway. I hope to be back to serve Benton County in some capacity in the future."
Hahn said he has been contacted about possible employment in law enforcement and in the private sector. He said he didn't want to proceed with anything "until this was behind me."
NW News on 01/18/2017