CLARKSVILLE, Ind. — Starting the new year with a new police chief, and turmoil among the Clarksville Town Council.
At the first town council meeting of the new year, with four new councilmembers, the decision was made to move Police Chief Mark Palmer to a newly created position. Capt. Nathan Walls was elected to take over as police chief.
The 4-3 vote gained harsh criticism from some council and community members.
“My feelings on how it happened really sits unwell with me. There was lack of transparency,” said District 2 Councilwoman Darci Schiller (R). “I have asked why, and I was given very vague reasons of, ‘it’s just time for a change.’”
Palmer has been chief for 12 years.
“If you ask anyone on that board, no one can say anything bad about Mark because there’s not one issue he’s had,” said District 5 Councilman Bob Stotts (R).
The four democratic council members - President Ryan Ramsey, Karen Henderson, Tony Munich, and Bob Mcewen - all voted in favor of creating a new position for Palmer, Town Safety Director.
During public comment, Palmer's wife expressed her frustrations with the decisions while addressing the council.
"My husband, chief Mark Palmer, is always respectful and fair…my husband puts everyone – this police department and this town – before himself. He always has and he always will,” she said.
Those opposed to the decision, cite the lack of reasoning for the replacement.
"This is so unbelievable of this council," said Councilwoman Jennifer Voignier (R).
But, while the council meeting was filled with divisive noise, newly elected Police Chief Nathan Walls says his main concern is protecting Clarksville.
"We've got a job to do. When you get down to it, we're tasked with protecting this town. So all the things going on in the background - all the things on the internet...I want to be aware of some of that, but my job is to protect this town. And I'm going to lead the department to protect this town," said Walls.
In a statement shared with WHAS11, Councilwoman Henderson said, "After a review of our Police department it was decided a change in administration was needed. The nature of policing has changed over the Decades and a Fresh perspective is needed to improve, hire and retain qualified people. We're grateful for Chief Palmer's service to the town and look forward to a smooth transition as he moves into his new role on the Police Department."
Walls tells us there is a pinning ceremony planned for this Thursday.
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