That police officer was Bill Wright.  Wright said the first thing he did was write a letter to the city council.

According to Wright, Fehling stated the reason for their meeting was due to ongoing complaints he received from citizens from whom Wright had conducted traffic stops. Wright continued to explain that Fehling clearly stated the complaints were not due to his conduct or procedures, but simply because citizens do not like being stopped by the police. Wright said the mayor encouraged him not to stop drivers for minor law violations.

Wright also stated that Fehling told him he should allow drunken drivers to drive within the city as long as they were on secondary roads and not leaving town on the highways. The danger on the streets was minimal because of slower driving speeds.

"The first thing that went through my head was 'what?'" Wright said. "You have got to be kidding me. I cannot believe you just said that to me. Unbelievable that anybody would say something like that, that it is okay to put people's lives in danger."

The rest of the police department said it is angry about the demand.

"I will not do that," said Salisbury Police Officer Don Mitchell. "I will continue doing my job. When I make a traffic stop or have an incident where I show up, I'll make decisions for the best outcome. Drinking and driving, you are going to go to jail."

When asked about stopping people for minor traffic violations Fehling responded, "This was an internal meeting and there has been no changes in the way police procedures are performed in the city of Salisbury."

This conflict started rumors around the city. One family tried to speak up at a city council meeting.

"I would just like the truth from you sir - face to face - on that matter. If you know what I'm talking about," said Bruce Strodtman, whose daughter Heidi was killed by a drunk driver.

The mayor replied, "Well, they're have been no policy changes in the city."

"Our home community of Salisbury donated a lifeguard chair in Heidi's memory this last summer," Kathryn Hammond said of her sister. "The mayor was there. Members of the city council were there. They all spoke of her very highly and said they were going to honor her memory."

Soon after this meeting, Officer Bill Wright lost his job. Council members then went into closed session. They returned and continued with an unannounced open meeting. No one from the public was present. Members then voted to lay-off a police officer for "budgetary reasons." This action meant Wright would lose his job, as the officer with the least seniority.

"They had just budgeted for all of the police officers that were currently employed by the city until July of 2008. We were speaking of getting a brand new patrol car," Wright said.

"I have a hard time believing the budget excuse at this point because of the timing issue.  It's kind of like, how did a budget issue come up just now at this juncture?" Hammond said.

Wright said the ordeal has taken a toll on him.

"I can tell you I don't sleep at night. It's on my mind all the time. I'm in disbelief. I'm in shock. I'm hurt. Very, very upset."

Wright said he plans to take the city of Salisbury to court.