CPD Officers Accused of Refusing to work Gay Pride

(WOLO) COLUMBIA,S.C., —

An email sent anonymously to ABC Columbia claims two Columbia police officers refused to participate in the gay pride Festival parade last week. One because of religious reasons.  According to the letter the two officers brought their concerns to Columbia police chief Ruben Santiago, and when their request was not met, allegedly went to City Manager Teresa Wilson in order to keep from participating. 

Teresa Wilson says that is not the case. In fact, while she did received copies of emails the officers had forwarded to Santiago, she herself never had any communication with either officer and says neither of them received any special exceptions.

Mayor Steve Benjamin says the allegations were brought to his attention by another employee and he began looking into it immediately. Still he says their is a chain of command and it must be followed.

” It’s important for the police chief to have the ability to run the police department the way he feels it needs to be….the duty to protect and serve is just that. Regardless of your faith, religion, color and regardless of who you choose to love.”