FAIRMONT — Three officers recently resigned from the Fairmont State University Police Department after allegations of unprofessionalism arose against its chief, James ‘Bil’ McGahan III.
The Times West Virginian obtained copies of the three officers’ resignation letters.
“The very department I sought to join has become a damaging source of disappointment and frustration,” former Patrolman Russ Miller wrote. “With the departure of Chief Jeff McCormick, I have watched the Fairmont State Police Department degrade into utter dysfunction. The work environment has become so toxic and unhealthy that it has affected several officers and it has become clearly the most hostile work environment I have ever encountered.”
The school appointed McGahan as deputy chief of police in September 2022 after he joined the university’s police department in 2019. According to Tanner James, general counsel for the university, McGahan was appointed interim chief in July 2023 and promoted to chief in October 2023.
Tanner confirmed three officers submitted letters of resignation after Spring 2025 Commencement. The letters contained a number of previously undisclosed allegations. The school hired the law firm of Steptoe & Johnson to conduct an investigation. They approached the individuals who resigned as part of the investigation but were turned down.
“The investigation found that the claims were largely unsubstantiated, and none rose to the level of actionability,” James said. “Nonetheless, the University is taking steps to strengthen communication channels, clarify expectations, and reinforce a culture of professionalism and accountability across campus. As this is a personnel matter, it would be inappropriate to provide additional details or further comment.”
Miller’s letter alleges McGahan had been creating a toxic work environment for months prior to Miller’s departure. The toxic environment led two other officers to leave ahead of the trio Miller left with. Miller’s letter alleges McGahan had been trying to establish a “Legacy Department” within the school’s police department, replacing established officers with what he described as “troubled individuals.” On one occasion, McGahan hired an officer against the recommendation of two university police lieutenants.
In his letter, Miller states that when he presented troubling behavior about officers to his lieutenant, he was told campus police was not a real police department and that he too could sleep and this was a retirement job.
Miller’s letter also alleges the department carelessly spent the university’s money. The department purchased equipment that was non-usable, such as meter covers that were the wrong size. The department also carried an officer candidate for nearly a year who was paid as a full time officer, even though he failed several attempts to pass the physical entrance exam to the academy. McGahan also allowed the candidate to carry a weapon while he patrolled alone, while being uncertified. He also failed a psychological exam, according to the letter.
“These are both severe LEPS violations,” Miller wrote. “And a liability for the school.”
The Law Enforcement Professional Standards Program within the West Virginia Division of Administrative Services trains and certifies law enforcement officers in the State of West Virginia.
In another instance, Miller wrote McGahan almost cost the department its firearms certification, when McGahan didn’t schedule someone to qualify the department. Miller wrote McGahan wore a SWAT pin, which ostensibly made McGahan eligible to qualify the officers, but when Miller asked McGahan, McGahan replied he was too highly trained and not allowed to teach a basic class.
Miller wrote McGahan also regularly forgot his service weapon in the bathroom.
The other two resignation letters carry similar complaints, some of which provide a different perspective on the same events. Two of the officers alleged retaliation whenever they brought issues to McGahan’s attention. They also alleged McGahan showed anger management issues and an unstable personality. Another complaint in the letters was “rules for thee but not for me” was a running joke in the department.
“Fairmont State University takes all such concerns seriously and remains firmly committed to the safety of its students, faculty, and staff, and to maintaining a professional, respectful work environment,” James said.
Miller wrote that McGahan bragged about having university President Mike Davis and human resources in his pocket.