Police Chief Gene Meek of the Soldotna Police Department resigned his position effective immediately on Friday, May 17.
Soldotna City Manager Janette Bower said Chief Meek’s resignation was submitted on Friday as part of a mutual agreement between the two parties. “It was amicable, and we had a really great conversation. It was an amicable departure,” said Bower, adding, “He’s a great person, and we wish him the best as he moves forward with wherever he may go.”
As to the immediacy of the resignation, Bower said she could not comment further. “You know, of course, personnel matters I can’t really comment on other than he submitted his resignation on Friday. And you know, we really thank him for all of his hard work and energy while he was here at the city and wish him the best.”
KSRM spoke on the phone with Meek, who said he is “grateful to the city for the opportunity to serve as police chief” and “would like to thank the community for all of their support.”
Meek said he was spending the day with his family, but would be available for further comment in the near future.
Chief Dale “Gene” Meek has been the Chief of Police in Soldotna since July 2022.
SPD Lieutenant Stace Escott will serve as acting chief until the city fills the position. Bower said they will begin the recruitment process in “the next couple of weeks.”