Sharon police chief turns in badge at city board meeting
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SHARON, Tenn. — The town of Sharon is without a police chief and has an alderman reconsidering his position after a heated debate at Monday night’s city board meeting. The city recorder, Donna Stricklin, said it was an argument over police activities. Sources at the meeting said the resignations came after an argument over officers patrolling outside a local bar. “It was a shock. It was a shock,” part-time Sharon Police Patrolman Bryan Chandler said. Chandler makes up a third of the Sharon Police Department. Chandler was not at Monday night’s meeting but said he did not expect his chief to leave like this. “It’s going to be different. We don’t have a full-time leader. We’re just going to press on until we can find a new chief.” Sharon Mayor Monroe Ary confirmed Police Chief Jeff Matthews turned in his signed resignation papers to City Hall Tuesday afternoon. Stricklin said after Matthews gave his monthly report Monday night, he turned in his badge. For now, Ary will oversee the department but will not act as an officer. “Oh yes, I have been to heated meetings, yes,” Sharon resident James Gary Roberts said. Roberts is a former mayor of Sharon and said heated debates are not uncommon. Roberts said when he was mayor there was a time he had to oversee the department because there was no chief. He does not believe the town should be concerned. “Is it better to have a city police force? Yes. But is it necessary? Well, no.” Chandler said the Weakley County Sheriff’s Office will assist when necessary. “The citizens of Sharon will still have police protection, whether it be from us that are on duty or possibly from the sheriff’s office,” Chandler said. Alderman Jimmy Harris’ wife said over the phone her husband is still reconsidering his position but had no further comment. Our calls to former Chief Matthews were not returned. Ary and Harris declined to comment on camera. Ary said there is no time frame for when a new chief will take over.
