Nashville Police Chief Removed by Town Council, Her Supporters Are “Ashamed” and “Outraged”

Source: Nashville Police Department

NASHVILLE, Ind. –Nashville Police Chief Heather Burris was removed from her position Monday night at a Nashville Town Council meeting.

The Council voted to remove Burris and after the vote, several citizens stood up to show support for Burris. The council did not give a reason for her termination. The regular meeting followed an executive session that took place behind closed doors.

“We have determined that Chief Heather Burris does not have a current contract. We are a very small department and a small town and over 60% of our budget goes to the police department. We cannot afford to do anything that is not helping the residents of this town and right now, we don’t feel the residents are getting the best protection. We have little precious resources to spend and we have to ensure that they are spent carefully,” said a town council member. You can hear the council meeting in its entirety on the Nashville Town Council’s website.

The council says there has been an investigation into Burris’ performance for the last “six to eight months,” but they did not release any more details. They named patrol sergeant Daniel Scott Bowling as interim police chief.

“To give this position to someone else as an interim chief is just outrageous. Outrageous. This woman has done her job,” said a woman there on behalf of Burris.

When one of Burris’ supporters asked the Council about the budget, one member of the council reiterated that the decision was about Burris’ performance.

“So what are the expectations of performance from you guys?”, said one woman.

“We can lay those out for you,” said a woman on the Council.

“Can you lay those out for us?,” said another man in attendance.

“I don’t have those in front of me right now, but we can provide those along with the other information that’s requested,” said the woman on the Council.

The council referenced a letter that was sent by the town’s attorney to Burris. Burris was also at the meeting.

“I am very grateful and appreciative for all of you that came to stand up and support me. The community is what brings me here and keeps me going. Without the community and without the support, I would not be able to be successful. That means more to me than anything. No matter the outcome of this, this will not change who I am at the core,” said Burris.

Here are some other statements people made in support of Burris Monday:

“I’m ashamed that we are sitting here even having this discussion knowing she’s done all she has. I’ve been watching her fight for people and fight for what’s right for her entire life.”

“I also find it interesting that you took the vote before you heard from the people. That doesn’t make any sense to me at all.”

“I’ve never known her to shortchange her duty ever nor have I known anybody with better integrity.”

Burris began her career in public safety back in 2008 as an EMT and volunteer firefighter. In 2015, she attended the IMPD training academy, where she graduated with the 12th IMPD recruit class in 2016. Burris became the Nashville Police Chief in 2022.

The next regular Nashville Town Council meeting is scheduled for September 19.

The post Nashville Police Chief Removed by Town Council, Her Supporters Are “Ashamed” and “Outraged” appeared first on WIBC 93.1 FM .