Village of Smithville fires second police chief this year; search on for replacement
SMITHVILLE − Village Council fired Police Chief Kevin English at a special evening meeting Friday evening.
The unanimous decision came after a closed-door session between council members and Mayor Tom Poulson. English was not in attendance.
Termination:Evidence room incident leads to Smithville police chief's firing despite dept. support
Poulson would not comment on the termination.
"This is a personnel matter, and we don't discuss personnel matters in public," Poulson said after the meeting.
The village is now searching for a new chief and will accept applications.
Until a police chief is hired, Sgt. Robert Hartman will take over the day-to-day duties, however, he will not be named as the interim chief, Poulson said.
"We would anticipate a quick process to select a permanent chief of police," Poulson said.
Third member to be fired this year
This is the second village police chief terminated this year, and the third member of the police department to be fired in 2022.
Police:Village of Smithville fires its second police officer in two months, citing dishonesty
Jen Barnett lost her job as chief in March following an evidence room incident.
Two months later, officer Daniel Yarnell was terminated amid an accusation of lying on an employment form.
Yarnell is pursuing legal action against the village, which is ongoing.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Village of Smithville fires second police chief this year
