Longtime Kennett, Mo., police chief departs

KENNETT, Mo. -- The Kennett police chief is out of a job, but officials aren't commenting on the circumstances of his departure.

Barry Tate became police chief in 2003. The Daily Dunklin Democrat reported the city council voted 6-3 on Thursday to release him from the job. On Friday, Mayor Jake Crafton called the newspaper to say Tate was no longer employed by the city.

Crafton wouldn't say if Tate resigned or was terminated. City attorney Terry McVey declined Thursday to comment on the reason for the city council's vote, calling it a personnel matter.

Tate was a Kennett police officer for more than 16 years before joining the Dunklin County Sheriff's Department in 1999. He returned to the police department four years later as chief.

Pertinent address:

Kennett, Mo.