Friday, DECEMBER 19, 2025 |
Photo – Riverside Town Hall – Bigfoot99 file photo
The Town of Encampment has reversed its decision to loan Riverside an unused police car for traffic control.
In September, Riverside Mayor Leroy Stephenson asked to lease a spare vehicle from the Encampment Police Department to park along Highway 230 as a deterrent to speeders. Concerned the vehicle might be damaged, the Encampment Town Council and Police Chief Kevin Shue were hesitant to grant the request.
The matter was revisited the following month, where Encampment Mayor Shannon Fagan announced that the town’s insurance provider confirmed that the patrol vehicle would be covered against damage while in Riverside. Despite the objections of Council members Stas Banach and Steve Reichert, the governing body voted to allow Riverside to borrow the unused patrol car. Mayor Fagan said she would meet with Mayor Stephenson to finalize the terms of the agreement.
According to draft minutes provided by the town, Police Chief Kevin Shue submitted his resignation during the December 11th Encampment Town Council meeting, effective July 1st, 2026. Riverside Mayor Leroy Stephenson told the governing body he was present to finalize the terms to use of the police vehicle. Encampment Mayor Shannon Fagan explained that Chief Shue had advised against loaning the patrol car to Riverside, noting he had submitted his resignation and would not be available to oversee the vehicle. Mayor Stephenson said he believed the council had already authorized the agreement and was simply finalizing the terms. Mayor Fagan responded that the situation had changed.
As of this month, the agreement to loan Riverside an unused Encampment police vehicle was rescinded.
