The mayor of Cohutta has dissolved the town’s police department and terminated all 10 employees after a conflict involving complaints about his wife escalated into a major local controversy.
Ron Shinnick confirmed this week that the Cohutta Police Department had been shut down, with all officers and staff dismissed from their positions.
“The PD has been dissolved, and all personnel have been terminated,” a notice posted on the department’s door stated Wednesday, according to local reporting.
Dispute About Mayor’s Wife
The controversy reportedly began after several officers filed formal complaints concerning Pam Shinnick, the mayor’s wife and a former town employee.
Pam Shinnick had previously been terminated from her town position amid allegations that she contributed to a “hostile work environment.” Despite her dismissal, officers reportedly raised concerns that she continued to have access to town facilities and sensitive information.
Local officials initially attempted to calm tensions through meetings involving the mayor, Police Chief Greg Fowler, and town attorneys. According to officers, they were assured that no one’s employment was at risk for raising concerns.
Department Abruptly Eliminated
Roughly a week later, however, the department was dissolved entirely.
Former Sgt. Jeremy May accused the mayor of acting out of personal retaliation.
“This all comes to personal vendetta from the mayor,” May said, arguing officers had sought accountability and transparency rather than conflict.
May also expressed frustration that employees allegedly learned of the decision only after arriving for work.
Mayor Cites Facebook Comments
Shinnick defended the decision by pointing to what he described as “inappropriate comments” made by officers about his wife on Facebook, though specific comments have not been publicly detailed.
The mayor thanked officers for their service and said they would still receive final paychecks.
“It is time for a change,” Shinnick said.
Sheriff’s Office To Take Over Policing
With the local department dissolved, the Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office is expected to assume policing responsibilities for the town, which has a population of fewer than 1,000 residents.
The incident has sparked debate over municipal governance, retaliation concerns, and the concentration of authority in small local governments. Critics argue the decision raises questions about due process and political retaliation, while supporters of the mayor say local leadership has the authority to reorganize departments as needed.
For now, former officers have reportedly been instructed to return department equipment as the town transitions law enforcement duties to county authorities.
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If crime is not a major issue and they can shut this down without impact of safety, then SAVE SAVE SAVE!! Return it back to the property TAX PAYER!