Popular Robbins Police Chief Fired Over Refusing To Hire Unqualified Patronage Hires

Robbins Mayor attempted to force the chief to hire Unqualified Police candidates

April 15, 2023

Val Ojeda, Writer

David Sheppard, the Police Chief of Robbins, was dismissed for not hiring a drug addict under the direction and orders by the Mayor Darren Bryant for the position of Police Officer.

The Mayor demanded the resignation of Sheppard, for which he refused as there was no cause. This was a political hit. Pure and simple. Bryant went forward with the termination of this popular Chief, loved in the Robbins community.

We know Sheppard for his community involvement and is a veteran of the United States Navy. He was also known for his political involvement to give his community a voice in state government.

Sheppard is a Republican who ran for office in the 36th District of the Illinois House.

Sheppard has an outstanding resume which includes more than 30 years of police service. He is the recipient of many awards, medals and commendations.

Over a year ago, he was appointed to become the Chief of Police of Robbins with a wealth of experience. So, why was he dismissed?

Speaking with Sheppard today, he stated: “I chose not to fall in line with the Mayor on a variety of issues in which, in good conscience I could not obey these orders because knowingly it would violate departmental rules and ethics violations”

He continued to add…” I had to take a stand for what was right. I was unable to hire an individual for the position of Police Officer who attempted to bring urine to the examination clinic that was not his own in order to decide the drug test. This happened in two attempts, including an attempt to bribe the examiner”

So, Mayor Bryant wanted a drug addict to patrol the streets of Robbins. This could be the Village of Harvey all over again, where corrupt Police Officers, its Chief and even the Mayor burglarized the Police evidence room for guns and drugs.

After Chief Sheppard's dismissal, this is guaranteed to happen.

I reached out to Mayor Bryant, and he was unavailable to comment. The Illinois Republican will continue to press for an explanation from the Mayor.

This is a fine example of a Democrat political corruption. It all comes down to the jobs. Cronyism and patronage hires. When you don't fall in line, well, you are not welcome anymore. Madigans political survival depended on handing out government jobs for special favors or even working on Democratic campaigns. The Mayor of Robbins isn't any different.

Chief David Sheppard is a friend of mine. I know the man and his character. He cannot be bought. He was hired coming from the Cook County Sheriff's Office to turnaround this broken department that was about to be disbanded. Crime soared and the department was dysfunctional with less than ten officers working after a walk out.

David came in a cleaned house organizing the department to bring up its standards and professionalism, hiring up to 40 more officers meanwhile providing more organized Police services for the community, including expanded victim outreach.

Never has the Robbins Police Department offered this kind of Police professionalism. Yest David was terminated for not hiring an individual who couldn't pass a drug test. A lackey political hack hire pushed by the Mayor or else. David stood his ground.

Mind you, this isn't the only reason the Mayor wanted to dismiss David, including his political beliefs. David is a Republican and ran for two political offices as such and was recently elected to the School Board, which became a thorn in the side of the Democrats, including the Democrat Mayor of Robbins, David's boss.

The attack on Christians and Conservatives by the Democrats is real. This is a perfect example of it. Though I may not agree with the outcome, I am proud of David for standing strong for his principles as a Police Officer, Police Chief, leader and Conservative who will not be easily bought off by a crooked politician seeking to profit off selling government jobs to the highest bidder.

Stay tuned. There is more to come as we investigate this Mayor and the governmental operations of the Village of Robbins.

©️Val Ojeda is a Republican Author, Media Personality, Strategist and Consultant. Ojeda manages federal political campaigns also serving as President Trump's Hispanic Coalition Leader. Ojeda is also a businessman, entrepreneur and the founder of FAMA a 501c3 Chamber of Commerce. Ojeda served as law enforcement Veteran Officer/Detective