Gettysburg Police Chief Resignation Not Due to Flag Debate

GETTSYBURG, S.D. (AP) — Gettysburg's police chief says his resignation has nothing to do with debate over the department's emblem and uniform patch that includes a Confederate flag.

KCCR radio reports that Bill Wainman said he has taken a position with the Hot Springs Police Department, in part to be closer to family. His last day as Gettysburg's chief is Aug. 21.

Gettysburg officials last month said they won't change the police patch, despite calls from at least one person to do so amid nationwide debate about the Confederate flag. Town officials say the patch is a tribute to Gettysburg's history and has nothing to do with racism.

The City Council has named patrol officer Mark Kessler to succeed Wainman. Kessler told the Capital Journal that he supports keeping the patch.

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