LELAND, NC (WWAY) -- All five officers suspended last week are now gone from the Leland Police Department. The town fired three of the officers today, and one more quit. A fifth officer quit earlier this week.
The town fired Lt. Rick Dellapia, Lt. Bill Kozak and Ofc. John Blasingame for cause. A news release from Town Manager David Hollis said the details of the dismissals will not be released until each man goes through an appeals process.
Ofc. Michael Landen quit today, joining former Deputy Chief Karl Smith, who quit Tuesday.
"The internal investigation regarding these individuals has concluded, and a summary of the details was delivered this morning," Interim Police Chief Mike James said in a statement. "We received the resignation letter from Michael Landen this morning prior to being briefed on the findings of the investigation. We will allow the process of appeal outlined in the personnel handbook to run its course before any further information of the investigation is released."
Earlier this month Chief James asked the Brunswick County Sheriff's Office to help conduct an internal review of every member of the Leland Police Department. The results of that investigation have not been made public.