BARRACKVILLE — The town's entire police department was relieved of duty this week by the mayor and city council, days after Police Chief Zachary Freeburn resigned effective immediately, the department announced on Facebook.
The move stunned residents of the small West Virginia community and prompted a petition calling for transparency and the reinstatement of the former chief, who had been hired in December 2025 as a full-time leader intended to rebuild the agency.
What changed for residents
Until further notice, routine policing and emergency response in Barrackville could be affected as the town transitions responsibility. The department said Sergeant Hunt would serve as officer in charge following Freeburn's resignation, but within days the mayor and council removed all officers from duty.
- Department announcement: "Effective immediately, the entire Barrackville Police Department has been relieved of duty by the Mayor and City Council," the department wrote on Facebook.
- Chief's background: Freeburn was hired in December 2025 after graduating from the West Virginia State Police Academy and holding a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice; he also held an advanced Drug Recognition Expert certification.
- Interim leadership: Sergeant Hunt was initially named officer in charge following the resignation.
Timeline and context
In December, town officials announced Freeburn's appointment as a new full-time chief with the goal of rebuilding and strengthening the department.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Freeburn appointed chief | December 2025 |
| Freeburn resigned | Effective immediately (announced in July 2026) |
| Entire department relieved of duty | Days after resignation (announced July 2026) |
The abrupt personnel changes unfolded just months after the department celebrated the return of a full-time chief. Local residents say the council's decision amounts to government overreach and have started a petition demanding the chief's reinstatement and clear explanations from town leaders.
"We are sincerely grateful for the support, trust, and encouragement shown to us by the Barrackville community throughout our service. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve and protect this town," the department wrote in its Facebook post announcing the relief of duty.
Questions remain
Residents and petitioners want details about why the mayor and council removed the officers and what arrangements will be made for patrols, emergency response and evidence handling going forward. The situation has also generated allegations, including claims of an evidence-room break-in, though those claims have not been confirmed by the department or town officials in the available statements.
Town officials have not provided a public timeline for restoring regular policing functions or for addressing the petitioners' demands.
I will continue to monitor developments and seek comment from Barrackville town officials, the involved officers and county law-enforcement partners to report how public safety services will be maintained and what oversight steps are planned.
Colton McRae is the West Virginia correspondent at News Block.
