Dyersburg WIthout A Police Chief After Contract Not Renewed
DYERSBURG, Tenn. — Many residents in the city of Dyersburg said they have more questions than answers when it comes to why they now have no police chief. “I’m just wondering why he’s not our chief anymore,” James Gatlin, a Dyersburg resident said. Records show Art Heun was hired as chief in 2009, previously working with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department. Officials within the Dyersburg Police Department said he was notified last week that his contract would not be renewed, meaning his last day would be June 30th. Chief Heun decided to leave immediately. According to Captain Mark Moody, Heun’s last day was Monday. “We need someone to take his place immediately,” Jackie Lee Permenter, a Dyersburg resident said. The decision to not renew Heun’s contract was made by the city Mayor, John Holden, who declined to comment on why. According to Dyersburg Police, crime has risen only slightly in the last year of Heun’s term. Residents said they’re hoping the lack of authority doesn’t have an affect on the community. “We’ve got a great community overall,” Permenter said. But residents like Gatlin have doubts about the lack of authority. “It will probably be less safe because we don’t have a police chief.” Dyersburg Police said they’re still working around the clock to keep residents and the city safe, despite the loss of their Chief. According to the Dyersburg Police Department, the city is in the process of looking for an interim police chief. Currently Assistant Chief Steve Isbell is the highest ranking officer at the department.
