CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. — Channel 2 Action News has learned of an internal affairs investigation underway in the Gwinnett County’s police department concerning the safety of its two helicopters.
A former pilot and mechanic for the helicopters resigned last month, alleging his safety concerns were being ignored.
Channel 2’s Tony Thomas went directly to the Chief of Police Butch Ayers for answers.
"What do you have to say about the safety of your aircraft?” Thomas asked Ayers.
"The aircraft are airworthy," Ayers said. "I think the entire situation is concerning and disappointing at the same time."
Through open records requests, Thomas obtained the resignation letter from Sr. Police Officer Phil McMillan.
For the past two years, records show McMillan was the primary mechanic for the helicopters and recently also served as a back-up pilot.
In his parting letter, he wrote: "I was unjustly kicked out of the aviation unit for sticking up for safety ... I doubt that the department will have the courage to admit their mistake and keep me in the aviation unit."
"I cannot believe the way I am now being treated by the department and do not think if someone outside of the police department was aware of the safety and liability issues that this would be happening ... It is my responsibility and duty with those certifications and as a human being with extensive mechanical knowledge to tell someone, regardless of rank, the safety issues with an aircraft."
Records obtained by Thomas show the safety allegations center around a March 2015 incident concerning the replacement of skid shoes on one of the aircraft.
McMillan didn't believe the material he installed was safe enough to fly, but his boss called the manufacturer directly and was told it was OK to take off.
The aircraft launched against McMillan’s advice. No other safety complains by McMillan are directly mentioned.
McMillan resigned in late March after being confronted about issues his commanders saw in his performance as a mechanic.
Commanders say McMillan was hired as a mechanic but recently obtained his pilot's license and seemed to want to fly the aircraft more than service them.
Commanders say that allegedly led to the problems and resulting complaints.
Thomas also confirmed McMillan reported Aviation Manager Lou Gregoire used the department’s aircraft in November 2013 to give flying lessons to someone unapproved.
That allegation is also part of the internal affairs investigation.
"Occurred more than once or a onetime incident?" Thomas asked Ayers.
"I don’t' have that information," Ayers said. "The investigation is not complete."
Gregoire remains on duty as the internal affairs investigation continues.
McMillan’s records show he was a decorated veteran officer. He even received a medal of valor award for his involvement in a 2011 shootout with a bank robbery suspect.
But in recent months, his commander said things turned sour and the resulting internal affairs investigation is far from over.
"There may be some issues where the maintenance performed by the employee is under question," Ayers said. "I think it has a significant impact on the unit, this guy was the chief mechanic for the unit and these pilots have to trust that mechanic."
Records show McMillan was supposed to go before commanders for a second interview with internal affairs on Monday but declined to do so.
Thomas tried repeatedly over several days to reach McMillan for comment. Late Monday, McMillan responded saying he couldn't comment.
Original article can be found here: http://www.wsbtv.com
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