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.
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.
