Following a series of developments last week, the City of Marble Hill's was, in effect, without a police force.

On Wednesday, Aug. 21, the Bollinger County Sheriff's Office posted the following statement on its Facaebook page.

“On Monday, August 19th, 2024, the Bollinger County Sheriff's Office was informed by officials with the City of Marble Hill, Missouri, that all members of the Marble Hill Police Department submitted their resignations to the Marble Hill City Council."

The resignations were effective Friday, Aug. 23. Sheriff Casey Graham said his office would be working with the City on a solution to law enforcement patrol issues.

“The Bollinger County Sheriff's Office is currently in communication with City of Marble Hill officials to address this situation,” Graham said as part of his statement. “We understand the concerns that may arise within the community and want to assure all residents that the Bollinger County Sheriff's Office is committed to finding a viable solution. The Bollinger County Sheriff's Office is confident that we can negotiate a resolution to ensure that law enforcement services will continue to be provided to the City of Marble Hill by our agency without interruption or interference in the daily operations already maintained.”

Later the same day, Marble Hill Chief of Police Kristin Nenninger gave a statement via social media:

“Dear Citizens of Marble Hill:

I have tendered my resignation as Chief of Police. Effective August 23, 2024. It has been a great honor and privilege to serve you all.

This decision did not come easy as I take my service as Police Officer and First Responder very seriously. I cannot faithfully support my Officers and provide you, the citizens of Marble Hill, with law enforcement services you all deserve due to the city putting constraints on the budget and cutting into the Police budget.

For the same as I have already mentioned, Captain Gilliam has also tendered his resignation.

The other officers have also resigned on their own accord.

God Bless.”

Reached by phone Wednesday, Aug. 21, Nenninger referred questions to Marble Hill City Attorney Richard Whiffen.

“The board (of aldermen) is very aware of the situation and considering what action they can take in making sure there is adequate police protection for the citizens,” Whiffen said.

In addition to Nenninger, the department consists of Capt. Jerry Gilliam and patrol officers Christoper Lutes and Nicholas Vandeven, according to the city clerk.

The City of Marble Hill named an interim police chief later in the week.

Wayne Hampton was chosen to serve in the role, effective Friday evening, Aug. 23, according to Whiffen.

The City Council has received several inquiries on the openings, including multiple resumes and phone calls, Whiffen noted.

Hampton brings a long history of law enforcement experience, Whiffen said.

A fully staffed police department for Marble Hill is six officers, according to Whiffen. This includes part-time patrol and other combinations of help for the department, according to Whiffen.

"They have had people offer to work temporarily for them," Whiffen said.

Whiffen was not certain about any official ways the City was advertising for the openings with the police department.

"The word is out," Whiffen said.

Graham hoped to offer more of an update on the situation later this week.

"I have been in contact with the county commissioners and have updated them," Graham said. "I plan to publish a press release this week on the Sheriff's Office Facebook Page with the updated information that I have at this point."