Parma, Missouri: 80 per cent of town's police quit after first black mayor is elected
The city attorney, city clerk and water-treatment supervisor also resigned
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The election of the first black mayor in a small Missouri town has prompted an exodus of city employees, with 80 per cent of the town’s police force resigning before Mayor Tyrus Byrd even took office.
The Parma, Missouri city attorney, city clerk and water-treatment supervisor also stepped down before Ms Byrd officially took over the town last week, according to KFVS. Outgoing Mayor Randall Ramsey – who was in city government for 37 years – said the officers offered no notice before resigning.
It is not immediately clear why the officers quit the force, but the other administrators said their resignations were a result of “safety concerns”. Five of the department’s six officers stepped down, including two full-time and three part-time cops.
Residents of Parma told the media that they are not concerned about the loss of the officers, saying the town probably was overstaffed with police.
“I think it was pretty dirty the way they all quit without giving her a chance,” resident Martha Miller said. “But I don’t think they hurt the town by quitting, because who needs six police for 740 people?”
Follow @PaytonGuion on Twitter.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments