By Hannah Heishman
The Moorefield Town Council’s meeting on Dec. 3 at Town Hall followed weeks of Facebook posts and chatter about allegations, who was right and who was wrong in the Moorefield Police Department and on the Council — and it was decidedly anticlimactic.
The Council chambers were full, with 22 visitors. Normally, there are fewer than five. The meeting’s agenda listed four visitors who planned to speak, but only two did so.
After the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer, Mayor Carol Zuber opened the meeting by establishing ground rules, including that the only speakers would be the four who signed up to do so, and that each would be limited to five minutes.
As with other times citizens have signed up to speak, the Council members listened, but offered minimal response and answered few questions. They did correct a few false statements. Although this was not an official public hearing, this is the Council’s standard procedure when members of the public are speaking.
Most of the visitors were there to observe Council proceedings regarding the Moorefield Police Department. In November over a three-day period, the Council terminated MPD officer John Baniak, reinstated him with probation, placed Chief Stephen Riggleman on probation, terminated officer Kevin Helmick, then placed him on paid suspension pending the outcome of an upcoming, but as yet unscheduled hearing.
Helmick’s mother, Winnie Helmick, was the first to speak.
“I’m here to hopefully correct a wrong,” she said. Addressing the Council directly, she told them, “You know you did wrong… This whole thing is utterly shameful for the Town and the Moorefield Police.”
Helmick said she feels she has a target on her back because she was in town, speaking up for her son. The comment echoes concerns Kevin Helmick has expressed for himself as a result of filing a grievance against Riggleman. There is no public evidence a threat exists.
The next and last guest to speak was Scott Carlson. Kevin Helmick is engaged to his daughter.
“If you really know who Kevin, Officer Helmick actually is, you’d know a mistake has been made,” Carlson said. “This man has endured enough stress and grief over this that no man should have to endure. This is a terrible black eye for the Town of Moorefield. I’d like to know why… Helmick, was suspended, terminated, then suspended? There’s no good reason for it. I’m proud to know him.
“Things have happened, things have been said. It’s a small town, people talk.”
Carlson began asking about consequences for other involved officers.
“We’re not answering questions today,” replied Council member Mary Jo Tobin. “We can’t comment on ongoing investigations.”
“There were other actions taken against other officers,” clarified Council member Scott Fawley.
Carlson continued to question the Council’s actions and motivations.
“Officer Helmick filed a grievance, then Chief filed a grievance against him,” Carlson charged calling Riggleman’s response “unprofessional.”
He also asked about the Council’s response to two completed investigations, one conducted by Pendleton County Prosecuting Attorney April Mallow, and the second by a paid, private company. He asked if the Council have followed what the investigations advised them to do, and asked about the cost of the private investigation.
“The final bill has not arrived, yet,” City Clerk Rick Freeman replied.
Carlson then accused Riggleman of illegally acquiring Helmick’s home IP address. The report filed by Pendleton County’s Mallow indicates that, when Riggleman requested the records from the internet provider, they said he, “would have to sign for this information.” It does not state anything about requiring a subpoena or warrant.
“I demand that you reinstate Officer Helmick immediately,” Carlson said. “You have dishonored him.” He added that he didn’t think Helmick had ever been written up, and that he had an exemplary career at the MPDI believe that officer H has never been written up, he has an exemplary career at Moorefield PD.
Following public comment, the Council held a brief meeting with abbreviated reports from the Town offices.
Public works director Lucas Gagnon said the Town is ready for snow, and reminded Council members of the Christmas Parade and tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 7.
MPD Chief Riggleman reported the department responded to 149 calls for service in November. AAA recognized the department with a 2024 Community Traffic Safety Platinum Award for what they’ve contributed to safer roads in town.
He reported he’d placed an order for ballistic vest plates to replace ones determined to be faulty and unsafe for $6,300; the Council had previously approved a budget of $7000.
The Council then went into executive session to discuss ongoing personnel issues.
The Council came out of executive session with no action taken, and following motions to do so, Zuber adjourned the meeting.
“How much longer are you gonna make my son suffer?” Winnie Helmick asked, as she left.
The next meeting is Tuesday, Dec. 19 at 7 p.m. at the Town Hall. The public is always encouraged and welcome to attend.