GEARY, OK - In what can only be described as a bizarre situation, an entire police department in Oklahoma resigned Thursday, causing a great deal of confusion among town officials.
Fox News Digital reports that Geary Public Information Officer Terryl Allen informed residents in a statement that the entire police department resigned at 10:00 a.m.
“To the Citizens of Geary. We regret to inform you, and we are sad to say, that our entire Police Force resigned this morning at 10:00 a.m. Considering this information, we were able to quickly secure an interim Chief of Police effective immediately, so the City of Geary is being taken care of without delay.”
Allen said the town was being assisted by the Blaine County Sheriff’s Office and the Canadian County Sheriff’s Office, noting they “are aware of the situation and offered their assistance during this time of transition.”
That appears to be an understatement.
Town officials expressed confusion about the development, and local residents also expressed concern, with one posting to Facebook, “But why did they all resign?” Another said, “I think an explanation as to what happened is what everyone wants.”
In a statement posted to Facebook, now-former police chief Alicia Ford announced her resignation and signaled that the Geary City Council may have been behind it.
“Thank you citizens of Geary for allowing me (Alicia Ford) to serve as your chief for the past year. It is with great sadness that I and the rest of the Geary Police Officers will no longer be serving this community,” she wrote. “This choice was very difficult to make, but it was the right decision for me and the other officers. I have watched the officers serve this community selflessly, working hard to protect and provide the best quality of service possible. They have been an amazing team that was always willing to sacrifice for this community.”
Ford recommended town residents “take the time to get to know your council members and to be as involved as possible in the city, especially attending the city council meetings.”
“Your voices are stronger when you stand together as one, and you all have the ability to affect the change you want to see in your community,” the former chief continued. “It has been my honor to serve Geary, and I will forever cherish the people of this community.”
JJ Stitt has been tapped to lead the department on an interim basis.
Still will be the third person to lead the department in just over a year, with Ford only replacing the former chief, Cecil Harrall, last year after Harrall was terminated over a scandal involving an affair.
Allen said town residents are still able to make emergency 911 calls and assured residents that “an officer will be dispatched to assist you” if they call.
Allen added that the town “is currently working to make repairs and restore power to all our citizens that was done during a severe thunderstorm yesterday evening. Thank you for your patience and understanding.”
Comments
2024-11-02T17:49-0400 | Comment by: Katy
My mind goes straight to thinking it has to do with not being supported. It wouldn't surprise me if there are too many people screaming to defund the police, that includes the City Council.
2024-11-02T19:56-0400 | Comment by: arthur
Well, when the head of the police that quite said to get involved with the City Council, and it was time to do that, and that the peoples voice was stronger together, so they should get together, and stand together as one...that tells me a lot right there as to where the problem lies... I'm willing to bet that council is rife with Democrats, Liberals, Progressives, or whatever else you would like to name them, with few if anyone in those seats that have the slightest bit of good sense, and probably all of them are anti cop. No wonder all of the cops quit, they were probably driven out.
2024-11-03T15:45-0500 | Comment by: Susan
Something happened and someone in control of police have to be left. Doesn’t matter if whole voting State is red, clearly by her statement urging ppl to get involved with the council, something going on there. Otherwise you wouldn’t have a total walk out. And now when you call 911, how long will it take for someone else to get there to save u. U best protect yourself with any means at your disposable.
2024-11-03T15:46-0500 | Comment by: Susan
Something happened and someone in control of police have to be left. Doesn’t matter if whole voting State is red, clearly by her statement urging ppl to get involved with the council, something going on there. Otherwise you wouldn’t have a total walk out. And now when you call 911, how long will it take for someone else to get there to save u. U best protect yourself with any means at your disposable.
2024-11-03T17:01-0500 | Comment by: James
GOOD RIDDANCE ...... That community can expect an immediate 40 % drop in local crime .... Even MORE if they declare themselves vigilante ....