Controversy Surrounds West Virginia Town’s Police Department Dismissal

A small town in West Virginia, Barrackville, finds itself embroiled in controversy following the sudden dismissal of its entire police department. The move attracted public scrutiny and sparked accusations of government overreach, with citizens demanding greater transparency.

The Barrackville Police Department announced on Facebook that the Mayor and City Council had relieved the entire department of duty. They expressed gratitude for the community’s support, mentioning that serving the town was an honor.

“Effective immediately, the entire Barrackville Police Department has been relieved of duty by the Mayor and City Council,” the department stated.

This surprising announcement came just months after authorities celebrated hiring a new police chief, Zachary Freeburn, who was appointed in December 2025. Freeburn, a graduate of the West Virginia State Police Academy, was recognized for his leadership skills and qualifications.

Less than seven months into his tenure, Chief Freeburn resigned. The department assured residents that operations would continue under Sergeant Hunt’s supervision.

Accusations surfaced when Sergeant Hunt discovered unauthorized access to the police evidence room. In a meeting with Mayor Tom Straight and town council members, Hunt claimed Councilmember Alex Neville admitted to taking police keys without proper authorization.

The incident resulted in Hunt and another officer, who constituted the entire police force, being immediately relieved of duty. Hunt announced his intention to seek whistleblower protections.

Freeburn’s resignation letter, intended for a town council meeting, described his disagreement with proposed operational changes, which he believed violated West Virginia’s municipal police laws. He labeled the work environment hostile, leading to his decision to step down.

An online petition emerged, urging the council to reinstate Freeburn, alleging the council’s actions were excessive and unnecessary. The petition highlighted Freeburn’s dedication and professionalism during his brief time in office.

With mounting unrest, a scheduled town council meeting was canceled due to unaddressed business items. Residents took to social media, demanding clarity and transparency from local officials.

Barrackville, home to about 1,200 residents, is located 25 miles southwest of Morgantown. Despite the police department’s absence, Marion County Sheriff’s Office continues providing law enforcement services to ensure residents’ safety.

Town officials have yet to publicly explain their decision or respond to the allegations. Fox News Digital has reached out to relevant parties, including the West Virginia Municipal League, for further clarification on municipal oversight of police operations.