CITY OF WAYNESBORO POLICE DEPARTMENT

250 South Wayne Avenue

Suite 102, Box 3
Waynesboro, Virginia 22980-4622

To: Rick Vernier

From: Chief Michael D. Wilhelm

Re: Your written request for information

Mr. Vernier,

On August 22, 2011 I was given your request for information which was received by Captain J. W.
Oliver on the same day. Below I have listed each of your requests and included my response to each
of them.

1. Documents from my Reserve/Employee folder from Reserve background check, specifically the
interview with my wife, Kathy Vernier.

RESPONSE: IT IS NOT THE POLICY OF THE WAYNESBORO POLICE

DEPARTMENT TO RELEASE THIS TYPE OF INFORMATION. THIS
INFORMATION IS EXEMPT FROM RELEASE UNDER FOIA BECAUSE IT IS PART
OF A BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION.

2. Any specific complaints lodged against myself specifically by Kathy Vernier during her time as
an employee or during my time as a Reserve Officer (If “none” then so indicate)

RESPONSE: A COMPLAINT WAS MADE BY KATHY VERNIER AND RECEIVED BY

THE DEPARTMENT ON 08/06/09. THE SPECIFIC COMPLAINT WAS THAT RICK
VERNIER THREATENED KATHY VERNIER WITH HIS DEPARTMENT ISSUED
FIREARM.

3. Dates of duty/length of time as a Reserve Officer.

RESPONSE: RICK VERNIER WAS A WAYNESBORO POLICE RESERVE FROM

MARCH 21, 2001 UNTIL MAY 1, 2010.
 4. Any disciplinary notes or contents.

RESPONSE: ON AUGUST 17, 2009 RICK VERNIER WAS PLACED ON INDEFINITE

LEAVE FROM THE WAYNESBORO POLICE RESERVES PENDING THE
OUTCOME OF A CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION BY THE AUGUSTA COUNTY
SHERIFFS OFFICE.

5. Any awards or certificates.

RESPONSE: NONE THAT I COULD LOCATE IN YOUR PERSONNEL FILE OR

THAT I AM PERSONALLY AWARE OF.

In response to your affidavit request:

1. What was the approximate length of employment with the WPD for Kathy M. Vernier?

RESPONSE: KATHY VERNIER WAS EMPLOYED WITH THE WAYNESBORO

POLICE DEPARTMENT FROM 07/14/97 UNTIL 07/31/98.

2. In your professional opinion, were there ever any indications of spousal abuse, mentally or
physically from Kathy or Officer Vernier?

RESPONSE: I HAVE NO PERSONAL KNOWLEDGE OR OPINION REGARDING

THIS SPECIFIC QUESTION.

3. Prior to July 2009, did Officer Vernier’s wife at any time during her employment or during
Officer Vernier’s duties as a Reserve did Kathy Vernier raise any questions or concerns of her
husband’s duty as a Reserve?

RESPONSE: NOTHING THAT I COULD LOCATE IN RICK VERNIER’S

PERSONNEL FILE OR THAT I AM PERSONALLY AWARE OF.

4. Did Kathy Vernier send a letter accusing Officer Vernier of threatening her with his duty pistol?

RESPONSE: YES, THE COMPLAINT WAS RECEIVED BY THE DEPARTMENT ON

08/06/09
5. In your professional opinion and knowing both them did you give any validity to that accusation
and did you foresee that it would be a detriment to his career at the time?

RESPONSE: THIS QUESTION CAN ONLY BE ANSWERED BY FORMER CHIEF

DOUGLAS L. DAVIS.

6. Did Officer Vernier request an investigation to clear his name?

RESPONSE: THIS QUESTION CAN ONLY BE ANSWERED BY FORMER CHIEF

DOUGLAS L. DAVIS.

7. Why was an investigation not done?

RESPONSE: THIS QUESTION CAN ONLY BE ANSWERED BY FORMER CHIEF

DOUGLAS L. DAVIS.

8. In reference to the responding letter written by Chief Doug Davis, what was the stated purpose of
writing that letter?

RESPONSE: THIS QUESTION CAN ONLY BE ANSWERED BY FORMER CHIEF

DOUGLAS L. DAVIS.

Sincerely,

Michael D. Wilhelm
Chief of Police
City of Waynesboro