North Carolina’s Kenly police department resigns in mass after new town manager is hired

The town of Kenly in North Carolina has been hit by a mass resignation within its police department. The entire force has resigned in protest of the town’s new manager.

Chief of Police Josh Gibson made announcement in a Facebook post, in which he laid out his own reasons for his resignation.

“I have put in my 2 weeks’ notice along with the whole police dept. Sharon Evans and Christy Thomas with the town of kenly after 21 years of service… the new manager has created an environment I do not feel we can perform our duties and services to the community.. I do not know what is next for me. I am letting the lord lead the way.. I have loved this community.. it has become family and one of my greatest honors to serve.. God bless you all in Kenly…”

Gibson sent his letter of resignation directly to the new town manager Justine Jones. Other officers sent their letters to Gibson, who was their superior at their time of employment.

“It is with a heavy heart that I take this action. I have been with the town since 2004 and fully expected to finish my law enforcement career with the Town of Kenly. Unfortunately, there are decisions being made that jeopardize my safety and make me question what the future will hold for a Kenly Police Officer,” Officer G.W Strong wrote when resigning.

“I have truly enjoyed working for The Town the last four years. Due to the current situations and the stress in the work area lately, my main concern is my health, and right now I need to focus on my wellbeing. The work area is very hostile, and I will not let myself be around that kind of atmosphere,” Utility Clerk Christy Thomas wrote in her letter of resignation.

“I will be retiring sooner than I had planned. This is my two weeks’ notice as of today. I can no longer work under the stress,” Town clerk Sharon Evans said.

According to Fox 5 Atlanta, Justine Jones was appointed as town manager earlier this month. A Kenly press release celebrated the appointment of Jones.

“Jones has dedicated her career to public service over the last 16 years during which she worked in progressively responsible positions with local governments in Minnesota, Virginia, South Carolina and North Carolina. She began her municipal career as the Executive Assistant to the City Manager and National Urban Fellow in the City of Norfolk, Virginia,” the press release said.

The town have scheduled a public meeting to discuss the resignations. Jones has not returned any requests for comments at this stage.