It’s been three weeks of political and personal turmoil for the people of Demorest and tonight, many of them got what they wanted. After much discussion among city council members, and after prodding for a nomination from City Manager Kim Simonds, the city council unanimously voted to reinstate fired police chief Robin Krockum.
Dozens of supporters of the embattled police chief huddled under umbrellas and a tent and cheered as the announcement came over a loudspeaker outside. They broke the social-distancing rules but that didn’t seem to matter as they applauded the decision they’d been pushing for since Krockum was fired on April 16.
Councilmen Nathan Davis and Dr. John Hendrix both offered to resign. City Attorney Joey Homans refuses to resign. And Demorest Mayor Rock Austin asked City Manager Kim Simonds for her resignation. She told the council she would give them her decision on Wednesday, May 6.
After the meeting, Assistant Demorest Police Chief Casey Chastain (above) was sworn-in as the acting chief, replacing Greg Ellingson.
The council will now make a formal offer to Krockum who has been mulling a potential federal lawsuit against the city. It is now up to him whether he accepts the offer. Chastain will serve as chief at least until Krockum decides.
SEE TONIGHT’S DEMOREST CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
SEE ALSO
Demorest Council meeting canceled “due to lack of quorum” [VIDEO]
