Former Kennett police chief quits force

KENNETT, Mo. -- After firing Kennett police chief Barry Tate, only to reinstate him just a week later with the understanding that he will step down from the chief's seat, Tate resigned his new patrolman position immediately during the Kennett City Council meeting Tuesday.

During the meeting, Mayor Jake Crafton read Tate's letter of resignation, which cited "misrepresentation of facts" surrounding the previous employment changes as the reason for his decision to resign.

Crafton read the letter aloud as follows:

"After 29.3 years of dedicated service to the citizens Kennett as an officer and as their elected Chief of Police, it is my decision to resign from the Kennett Police Department.

"This decision is based on the misrepresentation of facts presented by the mayor to the city council in an attempt to discredit the Kennett Police Department as well as my reputation as Chief of Police.

"My resignation is effective immediately."

Following the reading of the letter, Crafton moved on to other business.