A recent decision has left Arkoma residents concerned about their safety and future. On September 7, the entire Arkoma police force resigned.
Former Arkoma Police Chief John Buszek told 29 News that he and the other two police officers resigned because of low pay and lack of support from the town leaders.
He noted that the officers were promised pay raises that were supposed to start July 1, but the raises never materialized. The current starting pay rate for an Arkoma Police Officer is $14 per hour.
Multiple residents spoke with 29 News about the officers resigning. 'Wehavesupportedthem, the people have supported them, city hall has not. I want them [town leaders] to know that they need to start supporting our police officers andpayingthemwhatthey're supposed to be paying them,' Tammy Tritt said.
A resident who has lived in Arkoma for more than 10 years spoke about the walk out.
'They're putting their lives on the line for us for $14 an hour, that's ridiculous,' Writt said in an interview. 'It's very concerning. What are we going to do about crime, call Leflore County [Sheriff Department] and take them about an hour and a half? A lot of people could be dead by then.'
Resident Perfecto Rodriquez told 29 News his concerns about not having a police force.
'I'm worried about, not only my safety, but the other residents' safety,” Rodriquez said. “Because a lot of the people that live here are elderly. And then the schools, who's going to protect them.'
Pocola police officers will assist Arkoma when needed, as well as deputies with the Leflore County Sheriff Department It was noted that Thomas Leonard was named interim police chief for Arkoma, a town with approximately 2,000 residents. Leonard was the Arkoma Police Chief for several years in the past but left to pursue other opportunities.