In an unprecedented move, Geary, Oklahoma’s police chief and her entire force resigned on Thursday, signaling serious internal conflicts.
Fox News reported that contentious relations with the city council influenced the resignation.
Public information officer Terryl Allen alerted the community of Geary to the mass resignation early Thursday morning. He confirmed that officials took immediate steps to ensure public safety by appointing an interim chief of police.
Former Geary Police Chief Alicia Ford referred to potential issues with the city council that may have affected her decision to step down along with her team. In her resignation statement, Ford commended the community and the devotion of her officers to public service.
Ford highlighted the unity and strength of the community as vital, encouraging citizens to engage actively with civic leadership to drive positive changes.
Following the resignations, officials quickly brought in JJ Stitt as the acting chief of police to stabilize the situation. Allen emphasized that the city’s safety and law enforcement operations would continue unhampered during this transition period.
Meanwhile, Geary's administration is working diligently on infrastructure repairs following damage caused by a recent severe thunderstorm, adding to the challenges faced by the town.
Terryl Allen reassured residents about ongoing emergency services, stating, "Geary residents are still able to make emergency 911 calls, and an officer will be dispatched to assist you" during his address.
Allen emphasized that the interim measures are secure while officials seek a lasting solution to the sudden gap in the city’s law enforcement. He also acknowledged both the Blaine County and Canadian County Sheriff’s Offices for their support during this period of change.
Ford's resignation unfolded nearly a year after she took office following the city council's dismissal of former Chief Cecil Harrall, whose tenure marred the department with scandal. Alicia Ford expressed deep sentiment in her parting words:
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. 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’s resignation and her commendations for her team underline the internal strife and their impact, highlighting a day of dramatic changes for this small Oklahoma town.
In light of these resignations, neighboring counties provide critical support to Geary’s interim law enforcement operations.This transitional phase is pivotal as Geary’s leaders and citizens navigate this unexpected shift in their police department’s structure.
In conclusion, Chief Alicia Ford and the entire police department of Geary have formally stepped down due to undisclosed aggravations believed to be connected with city council decisions. The town has moved quickly to install an interim chief as it grapples with current challenges and looks towards rebuilding its police force. The commitment to public safety remains steadfast amidst these unprecedented changes.
