GEAR, OKLA. (KOKH)— Many police officers and two city council members resigned in Geary, raising questions and concerns from residents.

The city rushed to hire an interim police chief. But many people, including the acting chief, say they still wonder why this happened.

“I’m not happy at all,” said one anonymous resident. “A city without police is a danger to citizens.”

In a post on the department’s Facebook page, former Geary Police Chief Alicia Ford said: “It is with great sadness that I and the rest of the Geary Police Officers will no longer be serving this community. It was very “It was difficult to make this decision, but it was the right decision for me and the other officers.”

Ford encouraged community members to attend city council meetings and meet council members.

“When I tell you there is misconduct and corruption in the city of Geary, that is exactly what is happening,” the anonymous resident said.

Ford told Fox 25 off camera that the new interim chief was hired by the city to audit the police department and be its consultant.

“It’s really sad to come to this,” the anonymous resident said.

Governor Kevin Stitt’s distant cousin, JJ of Kingfisher, will fill the role of Geary’s new interim police chief. JJ says he was initially hired as a consultant, but while he was there, he was never able to because the city told him to investigate residents’ complaints.

“I got the information the other night that said, ‘Hey, we may have a problem at the police department. We’re going to need someone to step up. Is that a possibility for you?’ “I was hesitant at first,” JJ said. “I thought, ‘Hey, I’ll help you the best I can.'”

JJ says that before Thursday two or three officers had resigned for various reasons.

According to the interim chief, four officers resigned today at 10 a.m.

“I didn’t have a chance to talk to all of them this morning, but they made the decision to leave. That’s their decision. I’m not entirely aware of what those reasons are.”

JJ and a reserve officer are the only ones left in the department, but he says there are already some interviews scheduled.

He adds that in the meantime, the Blaine County Sheriff’s Office and Canada County will offer support.

“It’s not the end of the world here. We’re taking care of business. It’s business as usual.”

Former Geary City Council member Rocky Coleman says he and Kristy Miller resigned Thursday. Coleman provided Fox 25 with the following letter, stating that his core values ​​do not align with the city’s current direction:

Fox 25 reached out to Geary Mayor Waylan Upchego but did not receive a response.

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