The Baldwin City Council has accepted the resignation of Police Chief Charles Webb.
"During executive session, we have come to one realization and I'm going to have Chief Webb come forward and present his bad news," said Mayor Joe Elam after the council returned from closed session Monday night.
Webb said his decision was made for personal reasons, citing his own health concerns and those of his wife.
"I've done a lot of soul searching over the last month or so," Webb said. "I've got a lot of stuff going on personally at home. I just found out my wife has cancer and some other stuff. The stress of this job has hurt me. Basically, for myself, it’s time to go – for myself and my family.”
Councilwoman Alice Venter became emotional as she praised Webb and his department, saying Baldwin Police Department has not always enjoyed the kind of positive reputation it has now.
“I appreciate what you’ve done,” said Councilman Theron Ayers. “You built a good department.”
Venter and Councilman Larry Lewallen praised the police department’s partnership with Baldwin Elementary School as a result of Webb’s leadership.
Councilwoman Stephanie Almagno, speaking via videoconference told Webb she supports his decision to prioritize his family.
“I pray for you, I pray for your wife,” Almagno told Webb. “Hold your family close. It’s a hard decision. We are going to miss you very much, but you made the right decision.”
Webb said he knows he has made the right decision, but that will not make it any easier to leave the members of his team, both sworn and civilian.
“It’s going to be really hard to leave this crew,” Webb said. “Y’all have an amazing police department right now.”
Officer Matt Nall was introduced Monday night as Baldwin's interim police chief. He will work with Webb until Webb's last day, April 30, then take over the leadership role May 1 until a permanent replacement is named.
“I really appreciate this opportunity,” Nall told the council. “I know I couldn’t do it without the incredible team we’ve got. I’m going to do the best I can to honor everything [Webb] has done.”
Capt. Israel Segers, who has served as the department's assistant chief, resigned last week.
