WMOK Seeks Public Records Following Sudden Relief of Golconda Police Chief
GOLCONDA, IL — Following Wednesday’s sudden announcement by Mayor Gail Barger that Golconda Police Chief Steve Walker has been relieved of his duties effective immediately, WMOK has taken formal steps to seek transparency and official documentation regarding the leadership transition.
As of this morning, WMOK has officially filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request with the City of Golconda. While Mayor Barger’s initial press release noted that all local law enforcement concerns are being temporarily handled by the Pope County Sheriff’s Department, city officials have not yet provided details surrounding the reasons for the Chief’s sudden departure.
To ensure complete transparency and to keep our listeners informed with verified public records, the exact text of the FOIA request submitted by our newsroom is published below:
Subject: FOIA Request – Police Department Records
To the Freedom of Information Officer / City Clerk, City of Golconda:
Pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140), I am requesting copies of the following public records:
Any and all written notices of termination, separation, resignation, or relief of duties issued to or regarding former Police Chief Steve Walker.
Any public resolutions, memos, or official agenda items voted on or discussed by the City Council concerning the transition of law enforcement duties to the Pope County Sheriff’s Department.
Any formal agreements, contracts, or Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Golconda and the Pope County Sheriff’s Department regarding temporary police coverage executed since March 2026.
Per statutory guidelines, please deliver these records electronically to this email address.
This request is not being made for a commercial purpose. If any fees are anticipated for duplication, please notify me before proceeding.
Thank you for your time and assistance in maintaining transparent local government.
Sincerely,
WMOK News
Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, the City has five business days to respond to the request.
Residents requiring non-emergency or emergency law enforcement assistance in the interim should continue to contact the Pope County Sheriff’s Department at (618) 683-4321.
We will continue to follow this story closely and provide updates as soon as official responses or documents are received.
PUBLISHED: 7.22.26 – WMOK – Metropolis, IL – According to a press release issued on July 22, 2026, Mayor Gail Barger announced that Police Chief Steve Walker has been relieved of his duties for the City of Golconda, effective immediately.
In the interim, all law enforcement concerns for the city will be handled by the Pope County Sheriff’s Department. Residents needing assistance can reach the department by calling (618) 683-4321.
WMOK has made contact with Golconda City Hall and is awaiting a call back from Mayor Barger.
