Holmes Resigns As Baxter Police Chief

“Tonight I feel like that I’m no longer needed as your chief of police.”

Baxter Police Chief Danny Holmes resigned Thursday night, citing interference from the City Council.

The resignation will be effective next Wednesday. Holmes called it a sad night, saying he had not planned on resigning.

“My hope and my prayer is that you find another chief,” Holmes said. “And I hope the city council will let that chief be the chief and work for Mayor John Martin without any interference, because it will not work to have five bosses.”

Holmes said over the last several months there had been innuendos and questions from council members that made him believe he was no longer wanted. Holmes said he thanked the board for 13 years of service, especially for recent upgrades to the department.

“I hate it, I really hate it,” Mayor John Martin said. “The way everything’s happened. I hope that whomever takes your place, you know, you’ve got some big shoes to fill. And like I say, I appreciate everything you’ve done.”

Lt. Chris Austin and Crossing Guard John Owen also resigned.

“A lot of that is out of respect for me,” Holmes said. “And I promise you, I don’t want either one of them to resign. But if that’s the way they feel, then, you know, so be it.”

Council Member Dustin Stanton said he did not want to comment on the unhappiness among council members.

“I just know that we’re very saddened by Danny’s departure,” Stanton said. “Danny’s a very, has been a great chief for us, and I hate to see the man go because I love him. I do, with all my heart.”