Three Resignations In Alexandria Police Department Could Leave The Town Without City Law Enforcement

The Town of Alexandria may be left without police protection by the end of the week.
Interim Mayor David Cripps told WJLE Monday night that Alexandria Police Chief Jim Baker has tendered his resignation effective at the end of his shift on Thursday, August 24th.
Baker is returning to the Smithville Police Department as an officer.
Meanwhile, Cripps says Sergeant Tim Hearn and Officer Josh King have also resigned, effective at the end of their shifts on Thursday and Friday, August 24th and 25th respectively.
Mayor Cripps says all three men are top notch police officers and are apparently leaving despite his request that they reconsider their decisions.
If all three officers leave, Mayor Cripps says the town will be without a police force.
When asked why all three officers plan to resign in the same week, Mayor Cripps declined to respond, saying only that the officers should speak for themselves.
The officers are upset about budget cuts and a reduction in their hours which has left the town without police protection during parts of the day.
The Alexandria Mayor and Board of Aldermen will meet in regular monthly session Tuesday night, August 22nd at 7:00 p.m. but Cripps says until the positions are advertised as open, the city may not be able to fill those jobs anytime soon.