The Craig Beach Police Department announced the resignation of its chief and five other officers including a lieutenant and commander on Tuesday, April 8.

Police Chief Kyle Pettus, Commander Crystal Casterline, Lt. Richard Johnson, Sergeants Renatta Griffith, and Michael Hudson, and Patrolman Ernest Hudson have resigned from the police department, citing disagreements and a lack of support from Craig Beach leaders.

You may remember Chief Pettus was briefly laid off in December following a hasty social media post against village leaders. "I've had council members tell me that I won't support anything that you put through but not give me a reason as to why," said Pettus in the social media post made back in December.

Sergeant Renatta Griffith told 21 News on Tuesday they constantly feel disrespected and micromanaged by the village council. For example, CBPD says they were trying to raise funds for a new police cruiser, something Mayor James Becker says is illegal. While the council agrees new vehicles aren't necessary, the department doesn't feel supported.

"Explain to me why a police department that provides 20 hours of coverage needs two or three cars," questioned Councilman Jamie Becker.

The council also claims the department spent an excessive amount of money in recent weeks. Council added they've been more than generous with the department's requests. The police department is appropriated $60k annually, according to the council.

"We were given a bunch of invoices for thousands of dollars worth of purchases that were made within the last 6 weeks," Councilman Becker added.

"As a department, we have decided that enough is enough. We're tired of being disrespected and micromanaged. The police cruiser dispute was the final straw. The council and the Mayor won't approve anything put forward," Griffith added. "Our resignations are exactly what the council was trying to accomplish."

Sgt. Griffith added the village has not paid the police department bills since January, but the staff has been paid their paychecks. The police department commended Councilman Robert Andrea for his support of CBPD, saying he has championed the department's success against "unspeakable odds."

"We all love to come together to serve the public," Lt. Richard Johnson told 21 News. "However with everything that's happening, we've been put in a position where we had to make a choice."

"The Chief is passionate about his community and it's disheartening it has come to this," Sgt. Griffith said. "We take time away from our families, we work here on holidays, and want to be here for the community."

"We can not legally get rid of the police department but what we did want them to do is their job," said Councilwoman Charlotte Ashe.

Mayor James Becker believes the village would do fine without Craig Beach Police and the resignations will not impact public safety or response times. The Mahoning County Sheriff's Department oversees 60% of Craig Beach calls, according to Mayor Becker.

On the contrary, CBPD officers believe this feud will end up impacting residents, above all.

"We are losing a great group of police officers dedicated to the Craig Beach community. We are the first on the scene when we're working on the beach compared to other departments," said Sgt. Michael Hudson. "They are busy on their terms and this is our turf. I feel bad for the residents."

After the officers spoke at the podium stating their resignation, they walked back to the police department room within the government building. Councilwoman Wanda Sabol then requested the now-former officers to leave the building after they turned in their badges.

Chief Pettus was not present at the meeting. It is unclear if the department could be restaffed.

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