Kimberling City Police Department chief, all of his officers announce resignations

KIMBERLING CITY, Mo. (KY3) - Three officers, a sergeant and the police chief in Kimberling City have turned in their resignations.

The resignations over the next few weeks will leave the department with no employees. The Stone County Sheriff’s Office will handle calls.

“Until then we will be answering all the calls in Kimberling City, we can’t enforce city ordinances, but any other calls we will be handling at this time,” Sheriff Doug Rader said.

Sheriff Rader says in today’s climate just about every law enforcement agency is short-staffed right now.

”It will be a struggle to fill the police department back up with qualified officers, but hopefully they can start working on that soon and get that accomplished,” said Sheriff Rader.

The reasoning for each resignation varies from not having qualified officers, the current pay rate, no police clerk to assist in the administration of the department, and new opportunities to better themselves. Chief Craig Alexander said he is accepting another position with Branson West Police Department along with Officer Shaun McCafferty.

“I didn’t know there were that many openings in Branson West because we didn’t see an advertisements for police,” Kimberling City Mayor Bob Fritz said.

Mayor Fritz calls the resignations, “unexpected and the short notice disappointing.” Fritz says he will move forward, addressing pay and benefits to hire and keep police officers.

“We’re looking for officers, we’re looking for a new police chief and I think we’ll be fine,” Mayor Fritz said.

The mayor says he wants people in Kimberling City to know they will take care of their concerns and needs and are working hard to fill these openings.

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