Georgia mayor resigns after firing entire police force, citing family health

COHUTTA, Ga. — The mayor of a small Georgia town resigned Friday, weeks after firing the entire police department in a dispute that drew international attention.

Ron Shinnick, 70, submitted a resignation letter effective immediately on May 15, saying he was stepping down because of “health concerns” faced by family members living outside Cohutta.

“This decision was not made lightly, but I believe it is in the best interest of both the town and myself at this time,” Shinnick wrote.

Shinnick had dismissed Police Chief Steven Colbert and 10 officers on May 6, posting a sign at town hall advising residents to call a non-emergency county number for help.

The mayor later said he acted after officers made “comments on social media,” but a police sergeant said the real issue was a complaint officers filed about Shinnick’s wife, Pam.

Pam Shinnick had served as town clerk before being fired in January amid allegations she created a hostile work environment and retained access to sensitive payroll data and officers’ personal information, local station WTVC reported.

The Cohutta Town Council held an emergency meeting May 8 and voted to reinstate the police force, overruling the mayor.

Before that vote, town attorney Bryan Rayburn said Shinnick’s actions “did not follow the policies and procedures” of the town charter.

The council had considered demanding Shinnick’s immediate resignation but did not take that step.

In his resignation letter, Shinnick called serving as mayor one of the “great honors” of his life, touting new businesses, improved public services and greater inclusivity.

“I am confident that the town will continue to thrive under new leadership,” he wrote. “I will do everything to ensure a smooth and orderly transition in the coming weeks.”

Shinnick did not respond to a request for comment. The council is expected to name an interim mayor at a meeting Wednesday.