CALIFORNIA - About six months after his hire, California Police Chief John Hoover has submitted his resignation, effective Jan. 30.
Mayor Norris Gerhart said Hoover, who was hired as police chief Aug. 6, had noticed a "shortfalling" in the police department and cited it as a reason for the resignation.
"When John was first hired on, we took a look at how the department had been run in the past and how it would be run in the future," Gerhart told the Board of Aldermen in a special meeting Tuesday. "But now, six months later, John doesn't feel like he's made any headway, and that's been hard on him.
"Sometimes that's not healthy for people, so they make decisions that they're ready to move on in their life," Gerhart said Tuesday.
On Friday, Hoover offered another reason for the decision.
"I have some pressing things I need to take care of with family," Hoover said. "Fortunately, I am in a position where I can do that. I can leave the department better for the next chief of police."
Alderman Lanny Ash suggested Tuesday that the city review applications received before the 2018 hiring of Hoover as the city prepares to fill the position when it becomes vacant Jan. 30.