Chaffee chief reverses his decision to resign post

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- Chaffee police chief Jesse Chisum will stay in his post despite his submission of a resignation letter at Monday night's council meeting, Chisum and Mayor Loretta Mohorc said Thursday.

Word spread quickly about Chisum's original intent to resign after Monday's meeting, with multiple inquiries made to the Southeast Missourian starting Tuesday morning.

Chisum said he did tender his resignation Monday night. But the new chief met with the city council in closed session at the council's request Wednesday night. After the meeting, Chisum said he decided not to resign after issues that led to Monday's action were resolved.

Neither Chisum nor Mohorc would specify what those issues were, but Chisum pointed to "communication problems" within the city government.

"I didn't know if it was going to be rectified, and I thought it would be in our best interest to part ways," Chisum said of his original decision. After Wednesday night's discussion, Chisum said the council was able to resolve those issues, and he will remain chief for the foreseeable future.

Mohorc said she's glad Chisum has decided to stay in his post.

Chisum has served as the city's police chief for two months. He was hired by the council in an open-session vote during its Aug. 20 meeting.

Chisum has lived in Chaffee for six years. He had eight years' experience in the U.S. Army and six years' experience at the Jackson Police Department before becoming Chaffee's chief. In Jackson, Chisum served on the SWAT team, was a squad leader and was certified to train other police officers.

Chisum succeeded Martin Keys as chief. Keys resigned July 17 after nearly a year in the job, citing personal reasons.

msanders@semissourian.com

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