Despite outrage, Kenly Council stands by Justine Jones after entire police force resigns
An entire police department in North Carolina resigned on July 20 after the hiring of a new town manager, Justine Jones. Now the latest reports suggest that the Kenly Town Council called for a meeting on the night of July 22, which saw about 50 residents gathering at Kenly Town Hall. Several supported Jones at the meeting, arguing she never got a chance to build relationships with the people of the town.
The official announcement of the mass resignation was made in a Facebook post by Kenly Police Chief Josh Gibson, in which he mentioned that he had submitted his two weeks' notice alongside the entire department, along with assistant town manager Sharon Evans and utility clerk Christy Jones. He wrote, “I have put in my 2 weeks notice along with the whole police dept. Sharon Evans and Christy Thomas with the town of kenly after 21 years of service... the new manager has created an environment I do not feel we can perform our duties and services to the community.. I do not know what is next for me. I am letting the lord lead the way.. I have loved this community.. it has become family and one of my greatest honors to serve.. God bless you all in Kenly....”
