This week, a Massachusetts Superior Court judge refused to allow any delay of the state’s vaccine mandate that is set to begin on October 17th. The decision has already caused a wave of state troopers to file their paperwork to quit the force and even more are expected to resign before the mandate kicks in.
Kimberling City, MO – The Kimberling City police chief, a sergeant, and three officers have submitted their resignations, leaving the police department with no officers when they go.
The city administration said the mass exodus began when Kimberling City Police Chief Craig Alexander put in his papers on Aug. 23, KOLR reported.
Chief Alexander said he had accepted a position with the Branson West Police Department, KYTV reported.
The police chief said he was leaving Kimberling City because he needed a change and wanted to better himself.
Kimberling City Police Officer Shaun McCafferty submitted his resignation to the department on Sept. 1, KOLR reported.
Officer McCafferty said he had seen an opportunity “better myself and my employment status,” and will be joining Chief Alexander on the Branson West police force, KYTV reported.
Kimberling City Police Officer Rutger House submitted his resignation on Sept. 2, KOLR reported.
Officer House reportedly did not give a reason for leaving the department but city officials said that he was moving out of Missouri.
Kimberling City Police Sergeant Aaron Hoeft resigned on Tuesday, KOLR reported.
The sergeant told the city he was leaving because “unfortunately the inevitability of having no qualified officers at the current pay rate and no police clerk able to assist in the administration side of running this department, I feel it would be impossible to do the job at the best of my abilities,” KOLR reported.
Kimberling City Police Officer Caleb McCarty was the last of the team to submit his resignation on Wednesday.
Officer McCarty hasn’t said why he resigned, KOLR reported.
When Officer McCarty’s resignation goes into effect, the city will be left with no police force at all.