Twisp Mayor Hans Smith announced he dismissed Twisp Police Chief Jay King on Wednesday, in a post on the town website.
Smith gave no reasons for the firing, citing, “recent concerns have required me to make the decision to dismiss Mr. King in the best interest of Twisp.”
King was offered the job last July contingent on a minimum one year probationary period. King moved to Twisp from Alabama and was sworn into office in September. Following a 26-year career with the Montgomery Police Department, King moved to Unalaska, AK, then to Prosser, WA, where he resigned following a vote of no confidence by the police union eight months into the job.
King updated the town council on Tuesday about plans to hire an administrative assistant for his department. He said there were three applicants and would submit his choice to Mayor Smith next week.
Smith said police services would be provided by the County Sheriff’s Office while an interim police chief is selected “in the next few weeks.”
Smith underscored his commitment to having local police coverage in Twisp.
“We feel it remains critical for our community to have a local, dedicated police force. I believe we are still on a path to success to achieve this priority, and I appreciate the support from other regional law enforcement agencies that are helping us ensure we have quality policing in Twisp,” according to his statement.
