Ronan police chief resigns after 11 weeks
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RONAN — Mayor Kim Aipperspach refused to comment on the employment status of Ronan Police Chief Valent Maxwell on Monday, although a member of the police force confirmed that he resigned from the department on Jan. 11, four days after being grilled by Ronan City Council about his job performance.
“We’re in an official thing of no comment right now,” Aipperspach said. He refused to explain what the chain of command within the department was or any other details about the police force.
Maxwell moved from Alaska to take the job as Ronan police chief in October. In less than 10 weeks, his leadership lead to tension with tribal and county officials, according to statements read during a Jan. 13 city council meeting. Maxwell denied some allegations by council members and admitted health conditions may have played a part in others.
A Ronan officer said Officer John Mitchell was “the highest we have in command right now,” after Maxwell departed on the Jan. 11, but that official chain of command issues were expected to be resolved at a Jan. 21 council meeting.
Aipperspach said anyone who wanted to find out the fate of the police department would have to show up to the meeting.
“I’m not commenting,” Aipperspach said.
