WMOK News – Metropolis, IL – The shakeup in Golconda’s city leadership has left Southern Illinois residents with questions over the past week. What began as a sudden announcement from City Hall has quickly developed into an unfolding story of public record requests and allegations involving local law enforcement leadership.
Here is a look back at how the story developed, where things stand now, and what the Golconda City Attorney, Rick Abell told WMOK.
The Sudden Departure and WMOK’s FOIA Request
The news first broke when Golconda Mayor Gail Barger issued a press release announcing that Police Chief Steve Walker had been relieved of his duties, effective immediately. With temporary law enforcement coverage handed over to the Pope County Sheriff’s Department, details surrounding the departure were initially sparse.
To ensure full transparency, WMOK News submitted a formal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the City of Golconda. The request sought all official termination records, city council memos, and inter-agency agreements with the Sheriff’s Department.
Following WMOK’s public records request, official documentation was obtained detailing the specific grounds for Chief Walker’s termination.
Delivered in person on July 13, 2026, the Notice of Termination revealed that Mayor Barger exercised authority under Illinois Municipal Code (65 ILCS 5/3.1-35-10) to remove Walker from office.
The letter outlined five specific reasons for his dismissal:
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Investigation Delays: Repeated failure to conduct timely and appropriate follow-ups on criminal investigations.
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Improper Profiling: Utilizing improper profiling techniques and limiting criminal investigations.
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Undermining Authority: Repeatedly making disparaging remarks about the Mayor to city staff and officials.
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Ordinance Enforcement: Ongoing failure to enforce local ordinance violations.
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Refusal of Duties: Direct refusal to perform official duties unless explicitly ordered to do so.
The letter further directed Walker to immediately surrender all city property—including departmental firearms, vehicles, body armor, radios, and digital access passwords—to the City Clerk.
WMOK Speaks with Golconda City Attorney Rick Abell
To provide further clarity on the process, WMOK spoke directly with Golconda City Attorney Rick Abell.
Listen below to hear WMOK’s full conversation with Golconda City Attorney Rick Abell:
During the interview, Abell addressed the statutory steps taken by the administration.
Timeline:
Wednesday, July 22nd, 2026 – City of Golconda Facebook post announcing the dismissal of Chief Steve Walker
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. We spoke with City Clerk, Jim Suits. We are awaiting a call back from Mayor Barger.
WMOK made contact with Former Chief Steve Walker to request a further discussion early Wednesday morning. Mr. Walker does not wish to speak publicly at this time.
After attempting to reach Mayor Barger again on Thursday Morning, a freedom of information act was submitted at 8:28 AM.
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.
WMOK spoke with Jim Suits following his receipt of the request. He asked us to forward it to Golconda City Attorney, Rick Abell.
As of Friday afternoon, WMOK awaits a copy of the letter of dismissal that was provided to Steve Walker.
Regarding Law Enforcement Continuation:
Golconda City Attorney Rick Abell elaborated –
“The city of Golconda is a part of Pope County the same as the Villages of Eddyville, Herod, and Hamletsburg.
The Sheriff’s department has always provided law enforcement in Golconda and will continue to do so.
In years past, the Sherriff’s office may have only consisted of one or no deputies, and so the Sheriff and the Town Marshal served in dual capacities. Now that is no longer necessary.
The Sheriff might not have enforced city ordinance violations such those governing tall grass and weeds or dilapidated buildings , but it’s not necessary to have a Chief of Police or any police to enforce those.
The Sheriff’s office can enforce traffic laws in town just like it does in the county; the same as they do in Brookport and Joppa in Massac County.”
Continuing Coverage from WMOK
Residents in Pope County requiring law enforcement assistance are advised to continue contacting the Pope County Sheriff’s Department at (618) 683-4321 for both emergency and non-emergency calls.
WMOK will continue to track developments on this story and bring you updates as new information emerges. Tune in at 920 AM, stream worldwide at 920wmok.com, or follow our ongoing coverage online.
