The entire police force of Geary, Oklahoma, resigned on Thursday, leaving the town devoid of officers and local citizens bewildered over the sudden development.

Local authorities moved swiftly to appoint an interim chief to address the mass resignation, while neighboring sheriff's offices offered to extend assistance during the transition, as Fox News reports.

The surprising resignation was revealed to the public by Geary's Public Information Officer, Terryl Allen, who announced the sweeping departures at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday.

This dramatic event has left many residents of Geary stunned and seeking explanations for the mass exodus of officers.

Interim Police Leadership Stepped in Swiftly

Upon the resignation of Chief Alicia Ford alongside her officers, an immediate response ensued, ensuring that leadership voids were quickly addressed.

Public Information Officer Allen confirmed that JJ Stitt would serve as the interim Chief of Police. In a prepared statement, Allen reassured the community that Geary is "taken care of without delay" following these resignations.

Local residents tuned into social media, particularly Facebook, where the announcement stirred the community and sparked a flurry of questions, with many demanding explanations for why the entire force decided to leave. Comments ranged from confusion to demands for an explanation regarding the abrupt resignations.

Former Chief Highlights Concerns

Ford, who assumed the role of chief in 2023, expressed profound regret when she tendered her resignation. In her statement, Ford remarked on the difficulty of her decision.

Despite being "sad to say" the decision was necessary, she emphasized a message of gratitude to the Geary citizens for granting her the opportunity to serve as their chief.

Ford's commentary implied that recent city council actions influenced her and her officers' decisions to depart. She urged community members to stay engaged with council activities as their collective voices are instrumental in advocating for desirable change. Ford's tenure came after the former Chief Cecil Harrall was dismissed in March amid controversies.

External Agencies Extend Assistance After Resignation

Following the sweeping resignations, Allen assured residents that crucial services like emergency 911 would remain uninterrupted. The Blaine County Sheriff’s Office and Canadian County Sheriff’s Office have both pledged to offer their resources and assistance to Geary during this turbulent transition.

Meanwhile, the ongoing uncertainty among residents comes on the heels of recent weather-related disruptions. A severe thunderstorm caused significant damage in Geary just one day prior, adding another layer of complexity to the current municipal challenges.

Community Voices Stir on Social Media

As the resignation news made rounds, social media platforms became arenas for public discourse, with local voices raising critical questions. Comments on the announcement post conveyed sentiments of confusion and exasperation, with many seeking clarity about the situation that left Geary without active police officers.

The city remains occupied with restoring normalcy as efforts to repair power infrastructures, damaged during the storm, continue. Allen expressed appreciation for community patience and understanding amid these multifaceted challenges.

Community Urged to Pursue Civic Engagement

In closing her official statement, Ford expressed encouragement towards community involvement in council affairs, indicating that unified civic engagement could, over time, influence governmental processes.

She acknowledged the "selfless" dedication of her officers commending their commitment to public service throughout their tenure.

Geary's administration faces an immediate challenge in maintaining public safety and confidence as this incident unfolds. Residents remain alert and invested, keenly monitoring developments and the city council's response to this unprecedented situation.

As Geary awaits further clarity, the focus remains on reassuring the community of the maintained and operational security measures while exploring ways to address and resolve the circumstances and concerns voiced by both the resigned officers and the community at large.