An entire police department laid off, just days after Christmas.
Now the New Madison (OH) village council is finalizing a deal with the Darke County sheriff for services.
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“I think it’s really a slap in the face, it’s disrespectful not only to us as a department but to the village as a whole,” officer Jordan Wright said.
With no warning, New Madison’s chief, three paid officers and two volunteers received a pink slip Thursday night.
Wright was blindsided.
“At least give us the decency for us to find something else before you cut us off,” Wright said.
Chief Chester Banks said the mayor has considered the idea for months now, but a decision escalated quickly.
“It all came down to the budget,” Banks said.
New Madison’s police department costs around $60,000 to run.
Officers only make $10 an hour, but Banks said funding is tight and expenses are growing.
The village plans to sign a contract with the Darke County sheriff.