MCCORMICK RESIGNS AS CHIEF OF POLICE

Kirk McCormick has resigned as the chief of police for the city of Freeman, effective immediately. McCormick turned in his letter of resignation last week Friday, Sept. 25 and the Freeman City Council accepted his resignation at its second meeting of the month Monday night, Sept. 28. It also agreed to advertise for a full-time police officer.

The action came after a closed session called to discuss personnel lasting 40 minutes.

When asked for a comment by The Courier, the only thing McCormick said was that “I’ve enjoyed my time as Freeman Police Chief and I appreciate the support I received from the citizens and the current and past city aldermen.” McCormick said he plans to continue to reside in Freeman.

McCormick’s resignation comes in the wake of a conflict that arose between city law enforcement and city leadership after parking tickets were issued to some residents who were in violation of the city’s parking ordinance the second and third weeks of September. Mayor Michael Walter addressed concerned residents at the city’s Sept. 14 meeting, saying those tickets were not administered properly and that he took responsibility for it. He also vowed to make it right; those tickets were later rescinded by the city of Freeman.

McCormick started as Freeman’s chief of police in January of 2018 after spending 30 years in law enforcement, mostly in Oregon; he had most recently served in Scotland. He has served alongside police officer Jay Slevin, who is now the city’s only full-time officer. Freeman City Finance Officer Adam Van Ningen told The Courier the city will likely look for part-time help until another full-time officer/chief is hired.