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By Khaleda Rahman
National Correspondent
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A small police department in Texas has been left with only one active officer after a mass exodus of officers.
Police Chief William Moncier and three officers resigned from the Surfside Beach Police Department on Monday, according to KHOU 11. Later in the week, four more officers resigned.
"I would like to thank the residents for their support over the last two years," Moncier wrote in a post on the department's Facebook page after announcing that several members of the force has resigned, according to The Facts news outlet. "I would also like to thank all of our local police agencies for their support to the department."
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The department's Facebook page could not be accessed on Thursday.
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Kelly Marsh, the last remaining officer, was promoted to interim police chief.
"This was kind of sprung on me at the last minute and I'm trying to work everything out," Marsh told KHOU 11.
The police department in Surfside Beach, a town located about 60 miles south of Houston with a population of around 640 people, had 10 officers, nine of whom were active.
Detective Robert Bosco, who was on medical leave, told the station he is planning to resign as well.
The wave of resignations was reportedly the result of alleged issues between the police department and the Surfside Beach City Council.
Lieutenant Jessica Montiel, one of the officers who resigned this week, told ABC 13 that the department faced retaliation every time officers arrested anyone with ties to council members.
"Like, 'Oh, I'm gonna call so and so and take your job.' They try to retaliate against my officers," Montiel said.
Moncier had threatened to quit during a city council meeting last month, during which he accused the council of working to remove him.
Alderman Jonathan Gerber, who had a verbal altercation with Moncier during the council's meeting, told The Facts that he appreciated Moncier's efforts during his two years as chief.
"The whole situation is unfortunate," Gerber said. "Surfside needs to come back together and heal."
Moncier could not immediately be contacted for further comment. Gerber and other members of the Surfside Beach City Council have been contacted for comment via email.
Surfside Beach Mayor Gregg Bisso told KHOU 11 that interviews to replace the departing officers would begin on Thursday.
Until the police department is sufficiently staffed, the community will be protected by the Brazoria County Sheriff's Office and the Texas Department of Public Safety, as well as by reserve officers. Bisso has been contacted for comment via email.
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