Following the appointment of a new town manager in North Carolina, the entire Kenly police department resigns on Friday. Police officers and other officials in the small village of Kenly have resigned in mass, citing stress, a hostile work environment, and an incapability to continue the department’s long-term improvement projects.
Police Chief Josh Gibson expressed remorse in a letter to Town Manager Justine Jones about the negative changes he saw in the department.
Kenly Police Chief Gibson released a statement regarding the town’s recent increase in officer-related complaints. “In my 21 years at this point,” he wrote, “we’ve seen ups and downs.” But especially over these last three, where progress has been slower than we had hoped for – due mainly because of what appears to be an increasingly hostile work environment inside Town limits–I do not believe it can happen anymore!
The letter from Gibson was only one of several resignations that were made publicly available after the mass exodus.
“I am taking this action with a heavy heart. I’ve been with the town since 2004 and fully expected to finish my law enforcement career here. Unfortunately, decisions are being made that endanger my safety and make me wonder what the future holds for a Kenly Police Officer, “officer G.W. Strong wrote.
Kenly Police Department Resigns: Justine Jones Dedication
While everyone else sent their resignation letters to Gibson, the police chief sent his to Jones.
Jones, who has been hired as town manager for Kenly in recent months after serving elsewhere and working within the local governments of North Carolina. Residents there celebrated her new position with an official press release last month!
“Jones has dedicated her career to public service over the last 16 years, working in increasingly responsible positions with local governments in Minnesota, Virginia, South Carolina, and North Carolina,” the town said in a statement. “She began her municipal career in Norfolk, Virginia, as the Executive Assistant to the City Manager and National Urban Fellow.”
Other officials joined police leadership and active duty officers in resigning.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed working for The Town over the last four years. Because of the current situation and the stress at work, my main concern is my health, and I need to focus on my well-being. The work environment is hostile, and I will not be exposed to it, “Christy Thomas, Kenly’s utility clerk, said.
Some departing government employees, including Town Clerk Sharon Evans, kept their messages brief and to the point.
“I will be retiring earlier than I had planned. My two-week notice is adequate today. I can no longer work under stress, “Evans wrote.