OILTON, Okla. — After nearly a month without a police chief or officers patrolling the streets Oilton could have its public safety fears resolved.
Stella Miller said her fears about not having an active police department are finally starting to recede, "I tell you what, I feel a lot safer now than I did a month ago. I'll put it that way,” said Miller.
Oilton Mayor Patrick Kennedy told 2 News back in October former police chief Larry Harris parted ways with the department.
Because the town was without an acting police chief, city clerk Shannon Wilson said the officers couldn't patrol.
“Our officers work underneath the commission card of the chief, and so they were still job attached at the time; even though they still could not work, they were still employed with the city,” said Wilson.
Mayor Kennedy said deputies with the Creek County Sheriff’s Office responded to calls during the interim. Now, Oilton is getting a new police chief.
“Carl Stout, he was here a couple of years ago, but things happened where he had to go, and then I hired him back. He's knowledgeable of what he's doing so he can get money into the town. He knows how to get the grants and stuff and get new cars. He knows a lot of people,” said Kennedy.
Currently, the police force is one full-time officer and 4-5 reserve officers.
Kennedy said the city council needs approve Stout and is scheduled to vote on Nov. 17.
'I'm glad the chief is here. I welcome him, and I am proud of him that he is going to step up and try and take care of the town,” said Miller.
Initially, the police force status was set to be discussed during a city council meeting Tuesday night, but due to an error on the agenda, the meeting is now Friday.
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