Officials in Barrackville, West Virginia, are disputing claims by the local police department that all its members were fired. An internal review is underway following allegations of a break-in at the evidence room.
In a Facebook post dated July 7, the Barrackville Police Department claimed that city officials had terminated all its officers. The statement expressed gratitude to the community for past support and labeled serving the town as an honor.
Chief’s Resignation and Allegations
Former Police Chief Zachary Freeburn resigned abruptly. However, John Funkhouser, the town’s general counsel, refuted the department’s claim of a mass firing, calling it inaccurate. He clarified that only two officers were placed on temporary leave due to an investigation into an alleged break-in at the department’s evidence room.
Break-in and Immediate Response
Funkhouser reported that Chief Freeburn informed a council member that the evidence locker had been cleaned under an order from the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office, leaving behind some firearms and $30 in cash before he resigned.
Officer David Hunt contacted Mayor Thomas Straight with an action plan for the department. Due to a lack of proper documentation, both Hunt and Officer Ethan Darden were put on inactive status to allow time for a thorough review of the department’s operations.
Concerns Over Security
Mayor Straight raised concerns on July 6 about unauthorized access to surveillance cameras within the department, particularly those monitoring the evidence room. Upon inspecting the room, council members discovered a list of safe combinations, but the safes were empty.
Additionally, one police cruiser was found unlocked, and another contained an unsecured rifle. These discoveries led to the officers being placed on leave.
Subsequent Developments
Officer Hunt sought whistleblower status and invited the West Virginia State Police to investigate. Following meetings with state police, the police department’s clerk resigned. Funkhouser emphasized that the notion of a full firing is inaccurate and stressed the town’s commitment to transparency and community safety.
Hunt argued to WBOY that the evidence room was accessed by someone else before his arrival on July 7 and alleged wrongful termination. Meanwhile, Marion County’s Sheriff Roger Cunningham confirmed that their agency would respond to calls in Barrackville.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Barrackville Police Department for comment regarding the situation.