An entire police department is retiring, leaving the South Carolina community without law enforcement

A South Carolina community is without a police officer after the entire department resigned, including the police chief.

On Friday, McColl Mayor George Garner confirmed that the city no longer has police officers and told WMBF News that the community is “in dire straits.”

“We are working hard to hire a new police chief and officers,” said Mayor Garner.

Garner said Police Chief Bob Hale submitted his resignation first and other officers followed.

ENTIRE POLICE DEPARTMENT LEAVES AFTER CITY ‘FAILURE’ TO MEET RECRUITMENT REQUIREMENTS: FORMER CHIEF.

In a statement posted publicly on Facebook, Hale said his resignation was due to allegations of harassment and personal attacks and a “hostile work environment” by an unnamed city council member.

“It is with a heavy heart that I am confirming my resignation as Chief of Police of the McColl Police Department along with all four of my fellow officers,” Hale wrote. “My personal decision to leave the McColl Police Department can be attributed to the repeated acts of harassment, personal attacks on my character, and the overall creation of a hostile work environment by a particular Councilman.”

Hale added that the actions of the undisclosed councilor made the Department unable to function properly.

“For many months, I have endured bad and hateful behavior aimed at undermining my integrity and leadership,” Hale continued in this position. “These actions not only affected me personally but also created a toxic environment that hindered the proper functioning of the department. Despite our efforts to deal with these problems professionally and through proper channels, harassment and hostility continued.”

In his statement, Hale also pointed out that money has been cut from the police department’s budget and that other important needs of the police are not being met.

TOP COP LEAVES AMID SEX ASSAULT LAWSUITS, SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER ARREST

“I also feel that these consistent negative actions have been used in a strategic way to hinder the growth and success of the department. A large amount of money was cut from the already depleted budget by this Councilor when he was elected Despite repeated requests for funding to modernize facilities, improve training, and staffing levels to meet the needs of our community , those essential needs have not been met The City of McColl reasonably expects and deserves the Citizens’ Safety and welfare of the police should have been prioritized by making the necessary resources to create a department that can deal with the problems of the police in the 21st century and not a crime and most of my time as a Chief of Police was spent clearing the names of my officers and myself, from the many lies that were made about us,” – Former McColl Police Chief Bob. Hale

Hale said the decision to resign was not made lightly, and he deeply regrets the impact it may have had on the community they are dedicated to serving.

“I believe that leaving is the only way to address the seriousness of these issues and demand accountability and change. I remain hopeful that the City of McColl will come together to address these challenges, prioritize ethical leadership, and create an environment where those who serve the public can do their jobs without undue interference and hostility,” Hale wrote.

One McColl resident told WMBF that now that the town doesn’t have a police department, he’s worried that residents could be at risk.

FRESNO POLICE CHIEF FAILS FOR ‘IMPROPER RELATIONSHIP’

The city of McColl does not have a single active police officer, as the entire police force, including the chief, has resigned. (City of McColl Facebook)

“It means that if someone is stabbed or shot or anything – without police enforcement, they will have to appear at the Bennettsville sheriff’s office,” McColl resident William Groom said. “We’re talking ten or fifteen minutes and it’s possible for someone to expire in that time. Without the reinforcement of the police, the situation is really bad.”

Despite Hales’ statement, Garner told WMBF that Hale is not leaving town badly.

“I hate to see them go. They were a great team. But we’ll keep going,” Garner said.

Garner added that he has asked the Marlboro County Sheriff’s Office and other nearby agencies to help cover the city in the meantime. He also requested the assistance of the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division for additional assistance.

The McColl Police Department is now accepting Chief of Police applications and Garner said applications can be picked up at McColl Town Hall.

CLICK HERE FOR THE NEWS PROGRAM

Back in October, another community faced a similar situation as the town of McColl.

The entire Geary Police Department in Oklahoma, including its police chief, has resigned to complain to political leaders for failing to meet the needs of the police department.

Fox News Digital reached out to Mayor Garner but did not immediately receive a response.