Barrackville, West Virginia — A small West Virginia town has found itself at the center of mounting controversy after its entire police department was relieved of duty only days after the police chief abruptly resigned, prompting public backlash, questions about local government decisions and calls for greater transparency.
In a brief statement shared on social media, the Barrackville Police Department announced that the Mayor and Town Council had relieved the entire department of duty effective immediately, thanking residents for their support and describing it as an honor to serve the community.
The unexpected announcement came less than a week after Police Chief Zachary Freeburn stepped down from his position.
Police Chief Says Leadership Dispute Led to His Resignation
Freeburn had been appointed as Barrackville’s full-time police chief in December 2025, with town officials at the time expressing optimism about rebuilding the department under his leadership.
However, according to a letter written before the department was dismissed, Freeburn said problems began shortly after a newly elected town council took office.
The former chief alleged he was called into a closed-door meeting where he was informed that a town council member would directly supervise the police department and implement operational changes.
Freeburn wrote that he objected because he believed the proposed directives conflicted with West Virginia law governing municipal police departments.
According to the letter, when he questioned the changes, he was allegedly told:
“If I give you a directive you follow it… I am in charge and what I say goes.”
Freeburn said the situation created what he believed would become a hostile working environment, ultimately leading him to resign.
Former Sergeant Raises Evidence Room Concerns
The controversy intensified after former Barrackville Police Sgt. Hunt made additional allegations following the department’s dismissal.
According to Hunt, he discovered that the department’s police evidence room had allegedly been entered when he reported for work Tuesday morning.
Hunt claimed town officials had previously discussed conducting an inventory of the department without police officers being present.
He also alleged that during a meeting with Mayor Tom Straight and members of the town council, Councilmember Alex Neville acknowledged taking a set of police department keys.
According to Hunt, after confronting town officials about the alleged entry into the evidence room, he and another officer—who together made up the department’s entire sworn force—were immediately relieved of duty.
Hunt further stated that he informed town officials he intended to seek whistleblower protections.
The allegations have not been publicly addressed by town officials, and no independent findings regarding the claims have been released.
Residents Demand Transparency
Even before the department was dissolved, residents had begun voicing concerns about Freeburn’s resignation.
An online petition was launched urging town leaders to reinstate the former chief, arguing that he had been “forced to resign” because of what supporters described as excessive interference by the newly elected town council.
The petition praised Freeburn’s leadership and called on local officials to restore public confidence by providing greater transparency regarding the events leading to his departure.
Meanwhile, a scheduled July 7 town council meeting, where many residents planned to raise questions, was later canceled.
Town officials said the meeting was canceled due to “a lack of sufficient information regarding items listed under unfinished business.”
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The cancellation only fueled additional frustration among community members, many of whom turned to social media demanding explanations for the department’s sudden dismissal.
Sheriff’s Office Continues Providing Law Enforcement Services
Barrackville, a town of approximately 1,200 residents in north-central West Virginia, no longer has an active municipal police department following the decision.
According to Marion County Sheriff Roger Cunningham, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office will continue responding to calls within Barrackville, as it routinely does throughout the county, ensuring residents continue to receive law enforcement services.
At this time, town officials have not publicly explained why the entire police department was relieved of duty or responded to the allegations raised by former officers. The claims made by Freeburn and Hunt are allegations contained in public statements and have not been independently verified.
What are your thoughts on this controversy? Should local governments be required to provide more public transparency when major decisions involving law enforcement are made? Share your views respectfully in the comments below.
