HELEN - Helen Police Chief Jim Couch has submitted his resignation.
Helen City Manager Jerry Elkins confirmed the resignation Thursday morning, stating, "We appreciate Mr. Couch's service to the City of Helen and wish him well in his future endeavors."
Elkins provided a copy of Couch's resignation, received Wednesday.
That resignation letter states, "Please accept this letter of resignation from my position as Chief of Police with the City of Helen. My last day will be Friday July 10, 2015. I request all funds due me with this resignation as an employee of the City of Helen. I have enjoyed working with the employees, residents, business owners and visitors to this great city. This has been a great learning experience and I am proud that I am leaving the department as a professional well-respected agency. I wish the City of Helen and all my personnel a great future. I have been proud to be the leader of such a dedicated staff."
Couch joined the department as chief in July 2012 after more than 30 years of experience in law enforcement. He started his career in the metro Atlanta area at age 18, then joined the White County Sheriff's Office in 1996.
He and his wife Julie own Southern Comfort Quilts in downtown Helen.
Couch declined further comment on his pending departure.
