Entire staff of City of Marble Hill Police Department resigns; sheriff's office to take over

MARBLE HILL — The City of Marble Hill will be without any active-duty police officers as of Friday, Aug. 23, according to the county sheriff's office.

“On Monday, August 19th, 2024, the Bollinger County Sheriff's Office was informed by officials with the City of Marble Hill, Missouri, that all members of the Marble Hill Police Department submitted their resignations to the Marble Hill City Council,” Bollinger County Sheriff Casey Graham said in a Wednesday, Aug. 21, statement.

The resignations are effective Friday.

“The Bollinger County Sheriff's Office is currently in communication with City of Marble Hill officials to address this situation,” Graham continued. “We understand the concerns that may arise within the community and want to assure all residents that the Bollinger County Sheriff's Office is committed to finding a viable solution. The Bollinger County Sheriff's Office is confident that we can negotiate a resolution to ensure that law enforcement services will continue to be provided to the City of Marble Hill by our agency without interruption or interference in the daily operations already maintained.”

Graham provided the comments regarding the situation as part of a Facebook post to the Sheriff’s Office page.

Marble Hill chief of police Kristin Nenninger also provided a statement:

“Dear Citizens of Marble Hill:

I have tendered my resignation as Chief of Police. Effective August 23, 2024. It has been a great honor and privilege to serve you all.

This decision did not come easy as I take my service as Police Officer and First Responder very seriously. I cannot faithfully support my Officers and provide you, the citizens of Marble Hill, with law enforcement services you all deserve due to the city putting constraints on the budget and cutting into the Police budget.

For the same as I have already mentioned, Captain Gilliam has also tendered his resignation.

The other officers have also resigned on their own accord.

God Bless.”

Reached by phone Wednesday, Nenninger referred questions to Marble Hill city attorney Richard Whiffen.

“The board (of aldermen) is very aware of the situation and considering what action they can take in making sure there is adequate police protection for the citizens,” Whiffen said.

In addition to Nenninger, the department consists of Capt. Jerry Gilliam and patrol officers Christoper Lutes and Nicholas Vandeven.

Marble Hill Mayor Trey Wiginton was unavailable for comment. Mayor Pro Tem Tim McCain could not be reached for comment Wednesday.