John Gaccione

Date: 06/11/21

Subject: Departures & Resignations

From: Memo Desk

All was quiet in the sovereign hillside enclave of Kensington. Wildlife roamed the hillsides, the morning fog cleared and folks went about their usual chores unaware that a milestone had been reached. After years of legal bamboozlements the Kensington Police department was finally free of the notorious “Harman hangover” gang.

On April 19, 2021 officer Ramos left the department with no explanation for his departure. Then Kensington Police Protection Community Service District Director Cyrus Modavi resigns on May 13th with no reason offered. And finally officers Foley and Barrow’s resignations are announced at a KPOA meeting. Again no reason given for the resignations.

What is significant about the three officers who left the department is all of them at one time or another held leadership positions in the Kensington Police Officers Association. And two of them were the last officers in the department recruited by the notorious Chief Greg Harman. 

Modavi’s resignation is curious since he was an enthusiastic supporter of the “old” unrepentant police department. He believed all along they had been doing an excellent job. He was more likely to attack critics of the department rather than solve problems. It is also noteworthy to add he is related to Paul Dorroh and echoed many of Paul’s positions; local control uber alles.

In his 2018 candidate statement Modavi said, “If elected, I will bring the same scientific and teamwork oriented approach to working with my fellow board members…”. Unfortunately instead of teamwork he will be remembered for bringing his juvenile outbursts, frequent disruptions and his use of the royal “I command you” with staff members. One older Modavi minder noted early in Modavi’s tenure his presentation skills could use a little honing. A little honing…(Harrumph!)

What could be behind this wave of police related departures and resignations? Could confidential information have been mishandled by members of the “Harman hangover” crowd? Perhaps during contract negotiations? Or have some members of the “Harman hangover” contingent had problems with the rules and regs of our new professional police department? 

One day we may learn more details regarding these departures and resignations. Dakota just may have had the right idea, pull up stakes and get out of Dodge. Can I get a mea culpa?

“There is a time for departure even when there’s no certain place to go.” (Tennessee Williams)

Crime Stopper’s Notebook: Be on the lookout for so-called satire and know how to spot it.