GREENSBORO, Md. - There's now one fewer police officer in the Town of Greensboro. Maryland has decertified Thomas Webster, the former Dover cop who was also involved in the death of Caroline County teen, Anton Black, following a report that Black was dragging a 12-year-old down a street.
Webster was also previously acquitted in Dover, Delaware of charges tied to a 2013 incident in which he was videotaped kicking a suspect in the head.
Webster was hired by the Greensboro Police Department in February 2018.
The state decertified Webster after finding undisclosed "use of force" reports in his past.
Some in town say they're sorry to see Webster go, calling him unlucky.
"He was a great guy, I mean it's just unfortunate," one resident said. "He got tied up in this and he just made bad decisions."
Others say Webster's leave may have been for the better, sparing the town from the baggage.
"I don't think it will make a big difference," one homeowner said. "I think some people are going to think it's better that it happened and I think it was inevitable."
For Police Chief Eric Lee, it's a new beginning for the police department. Lee has led the four-person department since March and has been hopeful for a fresh start.
"I want these officers heavily engaged with the community out here and I want them very visible," Lee said.
"I'm very happy with this police department."
Chief Lee says he's training and vetting new officers, pledging more community engagement and patrols to help Greensboro feel safe.
The Town says it does not plan on replacing Webster.
Lee was not involved with Webster's hiring at the Greensboro Police Department.