White's last day as chief will be Tuesday. Vian Mayor Jim Lewis said Thursday that White is accepting a job with Cherokee Nation. White has been with the department for the last five years.
"We're gonna miss him," Lewis said.
In his April 18 resignation letter, White said, "In my tenure here I have been grateful for all that I have learned and pleased to have the friendships that I have gained. During my stay here I have been able to see and experience all sorts of great and wonderful things. The town has been good to me and I wish to leave in good standing."
Lewis pointed out that White was the only officer the town had who lives in the city limits. He noted that it is difficult for the town to find Council for Law Enforcement Education Training (CLEET) certified officers who live in the city limits and for the pay that the town can afford.
"We hire more young start outs," Lewis said. "They get a year's training and off they go to another town."
He said at the next regular meeting the council will vote on changing the rule that the police chief must live in the city limits to the chief must live within a 20-minute response time from the town. Lewis said at the next regular meeting the council will also decide on who will replace White.
In White's resignation, he thanked the council for his time with the department. "I hope that I can still be of assistance to the police department in any way I can," White added. "If you ever need me I am a phone call away."
White's resignation comes about two months after a town council member, James Smith, sought to have White fired. The town council unanimously decided at a special meeting in February to retain White as police chief. Three of the five members on the council were present at that February meeting. Smith was not present.
Lewis said Thursday that White's resignation has nothing to do with Smith wanting to fire White.
