Police Chief resigns; officers walk

Cordele Police Chief Mike Hathaway resigns citing City Commission meddling

CORDELE, GA – The thin blue line protecting the citizens of Cordele gets skinnier with the resignations of the Chief of Police, the Patrol Commander and others Thursday morning.

Exiting Police Chief Mike Hathaway says his decision to leave the department, effective Friday, is due to the deteriorating relationship with the City Commission, specifically Chairman Joshua Deriso.

The resignation follows a Wednesday evening meeting between the parties, convened in the hopes of resolving growing issues between the police department and city certain officials.

The Chief’s resignation has other officers following his footsteps.

Suspended Cordele City Commissioner Royce Reeves said he has nothing but great things to say about Hathaway’s tenure and that he was unaware of the morning’s events.