Geary, Oklahoma is now without a police force after the entire department and two city council members abruptly resigned. Former Police Chief Alicia Ford notified the public via social media. This news follows after the town struggles with the aftermath of severe weather.
Details Surrounding the Resignation
The small town of Geary, Oklahoma, found itself in a precarious situation when its entire police department resigned unexpectedly. The resignations also included two city council members. Former Police Chief Alicia Ford communicated this via social media, yet withheld detailed reasons for the decision. This move has left the community perplexed and concerned over what could have triggered such a sweeping departure.
Amidst the uncertainty, Terryl Allen, Public Information Officer, has implemented measures to ensure public safety. An interim Chief of Police, JJ Stitt, has been appointed to oversee law enforcement activities in the town. Alongside this, Blaine County and Canadian County Sheriff’s Offices provide essential support during this transitional period, aiming to reassure citizens during this unstable time.
BREAKING: Police chief and entire department of Geary, OK all resign on the same day.
“It is with great sadness that I and the rest of the Geary police officers will no longer be serving this community” pic.twitter.com/8I5s8PYsrj
— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) November 4, 2024
Resignation Motivations and Concerns
The explanations regarding the mass resignation remain elusive. Rumors of leadership influence over these decisions circulate within the community. Community involvement in city government was urged by Ford as she hinted at potential council-related issues. Alicia Ford expressed gratitude towards the citizens for their cooperation during her tenure, emphasizing the sentiment in her statement: “It is with great sadness that I and the rest of the Geary police officers will no longer be serving this community.”
City Councilman Rocky Coleman resigned due to misalignment with the city’s direction, while Councilwoman Kristy Miller cited the mayor’s lack of favorable action for the town’s interest. These leadership vacuums compound the challenges Geary faces. While these officials stress personal decision-making influences, residents are still longing for a comprehensive explanation of these leadership exits.
Oklahoma small town police chief and entire police department resign with little explanation. https://t.co/4DunJpVFqP
— CBS News (@CBSNews) November 2, 2024
Moving Forward With Challenges
JJ Stitt, newly appointed interim police chief, was initially hired to audit the police department. His simultaneous roles and unawareness of the reasons behind the mass resignations raise eyebrows among citizens like Tatum Wigington. Stitt committed to maintaining essential services, asserting that it would be “business as usual” despite the upheaval. Emergency services continue uninterrupted, providing some assurance amid the uncertainties surrounding Geary’s future.
“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 am. 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,” Terryl Allen said in a statement.
The mayor’s unavailability for comment and the absence of an official statement from city officials contribute further to doubts surrounding the situation. The community, currently grappling with power restoration issues from a recent severe thunderstorm, must now navigate this leadership crisis with an eye toward stabilization and accountability for the future.
