Police chief: Savannah community showed 'humanity' in 'quest of justice' for Quinton Simon
This is a commentary submitted by Chatham County Police Chief Jeffrey M. Hadley. He has led the county police force since 2017.
I have always been struck by the strong sense of community and caring nature of those that call Chatham County and Savannah home. Regardless of anyone’s station in life, their vocation or status, creed or color, Savannahians step up and reach out when they are inspired to do so.
This was on full display and self-evident when our community was faced with the tragic death of “Baby Quinton Simon” and the subsequent exhaustive investigation and landfill search. The amount of resources that this community brought to bear in an effort to support the Chatham County Police Department’s quest for justice demonstrated a level of humanity that is so often overlooked in today’s world.
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First and foremost, I cannot thank the business community enough for being responsive to our unusual needs and understanding the task we had before us. Waste Management and their team, specifically, were invaluable in our ability to reach a successful conclusion. Their willingness to upset their normal business operations for the greater good is a testament to their belief system as a company, and their contribution to justice should be especially noted.
Many businesses acted quickly and without hesitation to help us obtain the equipment and supplies necessary for the landfill search. Big Red, Inc., Sunbelt Rentals, and Coastal Ice Machines went as far as to donate the use of expensive equipment when they realized it was needed as part of the Baby Quinton case.
Others generously offered to help us meet the basic needs of our searchers. Savannah Coca-Cola Bottling Company donated pallets of water and Powerade. Texas Roadhouse in Pooler brought their kitchen staff in early to prepare meals that they donated for the entire search team and crew. And, the members of Southwest Baptist Church prepared dinner once a week for those wrapping up a grueling day at the landfill.
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To our law enforcement, public safety and governmental partners: We couldn’t have done the work without your unflinching assistance and steadfast dedication. Specifically, I would like to thank Chatham County Sheriff John Wilcher, the FBI, GBI and an unsung hero in Corey Harper from Chatham County Parks and Recreation.
To our local media: What a talented and professional set of individuals. You were inquisitive, determined and respectful during this entire process. Your coverage captured all aspects of this case in a caring and compassionate manner, which represented your profession and our community in the best of light. Thank You.
In closing, I will take a little liberty and be unapologetic in thanking and recognizing my staff, civilian and sworn, on the amazing job they did. I don’t have enough words to capture the multitude of experiences related to this case, what my staff had to confront, manage, and contend with. The exhaustion, emotionally and physically, and what they had to see, endure and process - a murder, a nationally covered case, YouTube protesters, searching a landfill for five weeks filled with anything you can imagine.
They did this with a level of determination, selflessness, and compassion that brought justice to “Baby Quinton.” You have my admiration, and I thank you for allowing me to serve as your chief.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Chatham Police Chief Jeffrey Hadley thanks for Quinton Simon search
