Bolivar Police Chief Fired
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After more than 29 years of protecting and serving his community, Bolivar Police Chief Bill Irons is out the door, effective July 29 after Mayor Barrett Stevens fired him Tuesday. “It is a situation that has happened over a period of years,” said Stevens. In a letter to Irons, Stevens states his termination is based on insubordination and failure to follow his directions or implement his policies. However, Stevens said a neighborhood crime meeting Monday night was the straw that broke the camel’s back. “We have a crime problem in the city. It has not been resolved to my satisfaction,” said Stevens. “We have got one particular area in the city that really has some serious problems. We have people that are scared for their life, we have families that are being terrified, have older people that cannot sleep.” East Bolivar resident, Rosie Cross, knows exactly what Stevens means. Her cousin, Margarett Barnett Harper, who lived across the street was murdered during a home invasion in 2006. “It was terrible,” said Cross. Although Irons was not serving as chief at the time, It is unsolved crimes like this that has Mayor Stevens changing gears. “We are going to do a blue crush type deal,” said Stevens. “Having more policemen out on the street and in the neighborhood, that would make me feel more safe,” Cross said. Chief Irons released this statement, “Everything that appears on the surface is not always what it seems. God has a purpose and a plan for everything and I am not worried about the future.” -Bill Irons. However, for residents like Cross, the future is all that matters. “I would really like for them to get to the bottom of my cousin being murdered. We all want to know that,” Cross said. Stevens said Assistant Police Chief Pat Baker will serve as interim police chief. However, he plans on appointing him the permanent chief in the future.
