Marion council holds emergency meeting to discuss resignation of police chief, three officers

Barely two days after being sworn in, Marion’s new city council met in a swiftly convened emergency meeting Nov. 5 to address the resignation of the police chief and three officers.  

The Marion City Council voted to begin advertising for a new police chief following the abrupt resignation of Chief Kendrick Howell, the assistant chief, a lieutenant and a beat officer. 

The resignations cited better opportunities and pay.  

“We wish them well,” Mayor Dexter Hinton said. “They’ve built a great department, but it’s all about the money. We’re doing the best we can with what we’ve got.” 

The city currently employs nine full-time officers and one part-time with one expected to graduate from the academy in early December. However, the department lacks a clear interim leader. Hinton initially recommended Robert Sykes for interim chief but later rescinded the appointment, emphasizing the need for a thoughtful, council-led decision. Hinton said he wants someone in the department to "step up into the leadership position."

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Council members debated how long to keep the application period open, weighing the urgency of filling the role against the realities of the holiday calendar. After discussion, they approved a six-week advertising window, setting a Dec. 19 deadline for applications.  

“We need to be clear about the timeline,” City Clerk Laura Hinton said. “Six weeks puts us at Christmas, which means interviews may not begin until next year.” 

The city plans to advertise the position through newspapers, social media and law enforcement networks to attract qualified candidates. Applications will be reviewed by the council, with interviews and potential second rounds to follow. 

Despite the leadership vacuum, Mayor Hinton assured residents that Marion remains under police protection. “We have awesome officers. Transitions happen all the time. We’re going to make the best decision possible and keep moving Marion forward.”