An entire North Carolina police department resigned Friday after the city hired a new chief. Police and other officials in the small town of Kenly have submitted mass resignation letters citing stress, a hostile work environment and an inability to continue the department’s long-term improvement projects. In a letter to City Manager Justin Jones, Police Chief Josh Gibson lamented the negative changes he felt were taking place in the department. “In my 21 years with the Kenly Police Department, we have seen our ups and downs. But, especially in the last 3 years, we have made significant progress that we hoped to continue. However, due to the hostile work environment that now exists in the town of Kenly, I do not believe that progress is possible,” Gibson wrote. Neither the police department nor Jones were willing to speak to the media about the nature of those allegations, local media reported. MISSOURI CITY POLICE CHIEF ‘REFUSED’ RESIGNS ALONG WITH EVERY OFFICER Gibson’s letter was just one of several resignations made publicly available after the mass exodus. Police car siren. (iStock) “It is with a heavy heart that I am taking this action. I have been with the town since 2004 and fully expect to finish my law enforcement career in the Town of Kenly. Unfortunately, decisions are being made that jeopardize my safety and make me wonder what is in store the future for a Kenly police officer,” wrote Officer GW Strong. While everyone else tendered their resignations to Gibson, the police chief himself submitted his to Jones. NEW YORK CRIME CRISIS: ROCHESTER POLICE OFFICER KILLED IN SHOT, ANOTHER WOUNDED Jones was just hired as city manager last month after serving in various local government positions in other states. Her new position was celebrated by the Town of Kenly in a June press release. “Jones has dedicated her career to public service over the past 16 years during which she has worked in progressively responsible positions with local governments in Minnesota, Virginia, South Carolina and North Carolina,” the city wrote in the statement. “She began her municipal career as an Executive Assistant to the City Manager and National Civic Associate in the City of Norfolk, Virginia” CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP The police leadership and serving officers of the service were joined in their resignation by other officials. “I have really enjoyed working for The Town over the past four years. Due to the current situations and stress in the workplace lately, my main concern is my health and right now I need to focus on my well-being. The workplace she is very hostile and I will not allow myself to be around that kind of atmosphere,” wrote Christy Thomas, public utility officer for the city of Kenly. Some outgoing government officials kept their messages short and to the point — including City Clerk Sharon Evans. “I will be retiring earlier than planned. This is my notice for two weeks from today. I can no longer work under stress,” Evans wrote. Timothy Nerozzi is a writer for Fox News Digital. You can follow him on Twitter @timothynerozzi and email him at [email protected]
