The small town of Barrackville, West Virginia, finds itself embroiled in a significant controversy following the abrupt dismissal of its entire police department. This dramatic turn of events occurred just days after the police chief resigned, igniting a firestorm of public outcry, accusations of governmental overreach, and urgent calls for greater transparency.
Entire Police Department Relieved of Duty
In a statement posted to Facebook on Tuesday, the Barrackville Police Department announced, “Effective immediately, the entire Barrackville Police Department has been relieved of duty by the Mayor and City Council.” The department expressed its gratitude to the community for its support, stating, “It has been an honor and a privilege to serve and protect this town.” This announcement sent shockwaves through the community, marking what appears to be the sudden collapse of the small department, especially jarring given recent efforts to rebuild it.
A Rapid Unraveling of Rebuilding Efforts
Just months prior, in December 2025, Barrackville celebrated the appointment of Zachary Freeburn as its new full-time police chief. Officials had highlighted his credentials, including graduation from the West Virginia State Police Academy, a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, and advanced Drug Recognition Expert certification. At the time, the department expressed optimism, stating, “We look forward to continuing to rebuild and strengthen our department to better serve our community, and we are excited to once again have a full-time officer leading our agency.” However, less than seven months later, this ambitious rebuilding effort had unraveled.
Chief’s Resignation and Allegations of Interference
The situation escalated last week when Chief Freeburn resigned “effective immediately.” The department initially stated that Sgt. Hunt would serve as officer in charge to ensure continuity of operations. However, a letter penned by Freeburn before the department’s dismissal shed light on his reasons for stepping down. Intended for the July 7 town council meeting, which was subsequently canceled, the letter detailed Freeburn’s account of events after the newly elected town council took office.
Freeburn alleged that he was summoned to a private meeting where he was informed that a council member would directly supervise the police department and dictate operational changes. He objected, believing these directives would contravene West Virginia law governing municipal police departments. According to Freeburn, when he attempted to discuss these proposed changes, he was met with the assertion, “If I give you a directive you follow it… I am in charge and what I say goes.” He described this as creating a hostile work environment, ultimately prompting his resignation. Freeburn also noted that a significant concern voiced by residents was a perceived lack of transparency at town hall, and he expressed hope that his resignation would bring these issues into the open, providing the transparency the community sought.
Evidence Room Allegations Surface
Adding another layer of complexity, former Barrackville Police Sgt. Hunt came forward with serious allegations. He reported discovering that the police evidence room had allegedly been entered upon his arrival at the department on Tuesday morning. Hunt claimed that town officials had previously discussed conducting an inventory of the department’s evidence without officers present. Furthermore, he alleged that during a meeting with Mayor Tom Straight and council members, Councilmember Alex Neville admitted to taking a set of police keys.
According to Hunt, after he confronted town officials about the alleged entry into the evidence room, he and another officer—the entirety of the department’s sworn force at the time—were immediately relieved of duty. Hunt also indicated his intention to seek whistleblower protections.
Community Demands Transparency and Reinstatement
The controversy had been simmering even before the department’s dismissal. Following Chief Freeburn’s resignation, a Barrackville resident initiated an online petition. The petition urged the town council to reinstate Freeburn, asserting that he was “forced to resign due to what many residents believe was unnecessary overreach by the newly elected Town Council.” Organizers called for leaders to address the circumstances surrounding the resignation, restore public confidence through transparency, and bring Freeburn back as police chief. The petition lauded Freeburn’s professionalism, leadership, integrity, and commitment to the town’s safety, noting his undeniable impact despite a brief tenure.
Residents were encouraged to voice their concerns at the town council meeting scheduled for July 7. However, the meeting was later canceled. The Barrackville Town Council cited “a lack of sufficient information regarding items listed under unfinished business” as the reason for the cancellation. This cancellation further fueled public speculation and demands for answers on social media, with residents expressing frustration over the lack of communication.
Law Enforcement Services Continue Amidst Uncertainty
Barrackville, a town of approximately 1,200 residents located in north-central West Virginia, is now without its own police force. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office has assured residents that it will continue to respond to calls in Barrackville, as it does throughout the county, ensuring that law enforcement services remain available. Town officials have yet to provide a public explanation for the dismissal of the entire police department or directly address the allegations made by former officers. Efforts to reach town officials and the Barrackville Police Department for comment have been made, alongside inquiries to the West Virginia Municipal League for clarification on state laws regarding municipal police department operations.
The situation in Barrackville highlights the challenges faced by small communities in maintaining public trust and ensuring accountability within local government, especially when faced with allegations of interference and lack of transparency.
