Alabama police chief, assistant chief, officers, councilman resign after COVID funds dispute
Powell Alabama September 28, 2023
The police chief of a north Alabama town, calling it the “toughest moment” in his career, today announced his resignation, along with three officers and a town council member in an apparent dispute over funding.
In a social media post, Powell Police Chief Gage Wilson announced that he had officially resigned as police chief, as well as Assistant Police Chief Nick Morgan, two officers, and Councilman Ronnie Helton.
Wilson has served as police chief for eight months in the DeKalb County town of roughly 1,000. Attempts to reach town officials for comment were not immediately successful.
“I have enjoyed my time here as an Officer, Assistant Chief, and Chief. My team and I have worked diligently to make Powell safer,” Wilson said. “We have worked with other agencies and took more drugs off the streets than ever before in Powell. We have had a great working relationship with all businesses and have prosecuted a handful of shoplifting cases.”
According to Wilson, the resignations came following a dispute over hours and funding.
“I feel as if my team and I were really moving in the right direction for this town,” Wilson said. “However, we were shut down on hours worked at the last meeting. We were also passed up for new equipment so the town could build a new town hall with Covid money provided for first responders. This is things that I can not stand for as a man or a Chief.”
In comments to others on his social media post, Wilson said officers were working part-time for the town without insurance or retirement.
“I have no personal issues with anyone at Powell,” he wrote. “I love Powell and the Citizens thereof. I am forever grateful for my opportunities here and will continue my career elsewhere.”
