By David Howell

    Como’s police chief and assistant police chief have announced their resignation following the death of Mayor Judy Sumner.

    Police Chief Mike Davis and Assistant Chief Earl Burdette have each announced their resignation, effective this week.

    Both officers were among Panola County sheriff’s deputies who have worked in Como since  October, 2008, after the police department was embroiled in problems. Former Chief Cleve Gale had been fired and town officials had even employed a private security company. Memphis-based Hooah Security Firm only worked a week in Como, before Mayor Judy Sumner placed the firm on leave.

    “Shot (Bright) told us that Judy (Sumner) needed some help with law enforcement,” Burdette said. “He told us it would help the city and the county,” Burdette said.

Bright had permitted the deputies to work in Como on their days off to stabilize the police department.

    The resignations came after  Interim Mayor Dr. Forster Ruhl changed the locks at the police department Saturday morning, according to Burdette. The change came shortly after the unexpected death of Sumner earlier that morning.

    Ruhl downplayed the incident, reporting that changing the locks was protocol.

    “Anytime there is a change in the administration, we change the locks,” Ruhl said, adding the locks had also been changed when Sumner first took office and other times in the past when department heads had changed.

    “The only reason we decided to change the locks was to protect the city hall, Judy’s desk and her belongings from anyone who may take advantage of her untimely death,” Ruhl added, referring to possible unauthorized copies of keys.

    Burdette said the timing was not appropriate.

    “I have always tried to do my job, but my integrity will not allow me to remain in Como,” Burdette said.

    “I feel the same way Earl does,” Davis also said, adding that his department had an effective track record.

    “I believe that we had made a difference. Crime is down and the town has been quiet,” Davis said.

    Burdette added that he will remain a “phone call” away if citizens need law enforcement help, only this time as a deputy. Burdette is assigned by Sheriff Otis Griffin to patrol the north end of the county, which keeps him in the vicinity of Como.