DEMOREST — As noisy protests continue daily in downtown Demorest calling for City Manager Kim Simonds to resign, the police chief she fired is returning to work.
Robin Krockum will resume his duties at the first of the week, as a result of a unanimous city council vote last week to reinstate him.
“I am very grateful to the mayor and city council giving me the opportunity to once again serve the citizens of Demorest,” Krockum wrote in a social media post Saturday night. “I wanted to let everyone know that I am going back to work Monday morning. I am humbled by the outpouring of support that I have received from our citizens, as well as our Habersham County community. I am also extremely thankful for my brothers and sisters in public safety, including their extended families. Please continue to pray for me and for the City of Demorest.”
Last week, Mayor Rick Austin called on Simonds to resign, but Simonds refused.
As a result, protesters have continued to stand in downtown Demorest with signs encouraging motorists to “Honk for Kim to Resign”.
Public dissatisfaction with Simonds began with her April 16 firing of Krockum.
The city council will hold a called meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Demorest Municipal Building, 157 Ivy Street, Demorest.
