Both Fayette County Sheriff Chris Palmer and Jail Administrator Ted Koonce have submitted letters of resignation. During Tuesday night’s Fayette County Board meeting, Cromwell Media of Vandalia was given copies of each letter of resignation. While Sheriff Palmer did not speak at the meeting about his letter, he states in it that recent “police reform” laws passed by the Illinois Legislature “have put a massive financial and professional liability on law enforcement officers statewide.” Palmer also talks about officers leaving their law enforcement jobs in the state in large numbers referencing several nearby counties and communities whose sheriffs and officers have left the profession for other jobs and/or taken early retirement. In his letter of resignation, Jail Administrator Koonce talked about his decision being an emotional one, but stated that he felt it was in his best interest for his personal life and family. Koonce briefly touched on the police reform laws being the basis for his decision. With the letters if resignation for Palmer and Koonce not being on the county board agenda, neither could be discussed by board members during this meeting and would be expected to address the matter during their September meeting.
Scans of each letter submitted to Cromwell Media of Vandalia can be seen below.
Comments