Centralia residents say they want former police chief back
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Almost a week ago, Robert Bias, former Centralia Police chief, submitted his resignation letter to the department. After not getting much information from the city, residents want answers to his unexpected leave.
On Monday, individuals decided to protest the matter. A little after 11 a.m., a small crowd gathered across from city hall on city square holding signs stating "reinstate Bob Bias.
Michael Bardwell is a Centralia citizen who attended the protest. He says that the event shows the community cares.
"For it to just come out of left field and have this many people wanting to come out, support the chief, support the police department in general and want answers, that speaks volumes, especially in a small community like this," said Bradwell.
Bradwell said he'd built a relationship with the department over the six years he's been living in Centralia after they helped him with his stepdaughter.
Centralia Officer Logan Feger says that he can't protest because of the police department policy, but he was happy to see people come out and support Bias.
"To the supporters that we did have here, I was completely thankful that they were and they took the time. Some of them took off work today, extended their lunch breaks just to be here just to say thank you," said Feger.
Overall, residents said that they feel they are in the dark and want answers along with the city's mayor to give an update on the situation.
ABC 17 News reached out to Centralia's Mayor Chris Cox and City Administrator Heather Russell, but we are still waiting for a response. Centralia will hold its general government & public safety committee meeting on Oct. 11 at 6:30 p.m at city hall.
