The town of Barrackville, West Virginia, is addressing claims that its entire police department was fired. The city officials say the department is under internal review after allegations of a break‑in at its evidence room.
On July 7, the Barrackville Police Department posted that the entire department had been relieved of duty by the mayor and city council. The post also thanked the community for its support.
That announcement followed the resignation of Police Chief Zachary Freeburn, effective immediately. The resignation left the department without a chief.
A statement from the town’s general counsel clarified that the claim of a mass firing was inaccurate. Two officers were placed on temporary leave pending an internal investigation.
The investigation began after Chief Freeburn informed council member Alex Neville on July 1 that the evidence locker had been cleared under an order from the county prosecutor’s office. The clearance removed firearms that had been confiscated years earlier and a small amount of cash.
The next day, Freeburn resigned. Officer David Hunt then approached the mayor with an action plan for the department.
The mayor placed Hunt and Officer Ethan Darden on temporary inactive status to allow the council time to review all pertinent information regarding the department’s operation.
On July 6, the mayor raised concerns about the possibility of unauthorized remote access to the department’s surveillance cameras. When council members entered the evidence room, they found a list of safe combinations on a desk, used one to open the safe, and found nothing inside.
The council also discovered a police cruiser unlocked and another vehicle containing an unsecured rifle. The officers involved were placed on leave the following day.
Hunt announced his intention to investigate the alleged break‑in and to seek whistleblower status, inviting state police to assist. After meeting with state police, the department’s clerk resigned.
The mayor emphasized that the entire police staff had not been fired and that the city’s actions were aimed at ensuring accountability and compliance with regulations. The town remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the safety of its residents.
Marion County Sheriff Roger Cunningham confirmed that his agency would handle calls within Barrackville during the transition.
