Attica citizens react to Bobby Bass resignation

ATTICA, Ind (WLFI) - Citizens of Attica spoke out about the resignation of the town's police chief, Bobby Bass.

Some support him, others said the punishment fit the crime.

"Since you're the chief of police of the city, you should know who you should do this with and know who you shouldn't be doing this with," Former Attica Resident, Michael Hogg, said. "It can always come back and bite you."

"I thought a joke was being played on me because it was just so ridiculous," Attica Resident Ron Lockhart said. "(All this) over jerky?"

Bass said he resigned Thursday when, as a prank, he gave duck jerky, often used as dog food, to several friends while in uniform.

An anonymous third party reported the prank to the city.

Mayor Bob Shepard originally planned to give Bass a five-day leave without pay.

Bass said he wouldn't take the reprimand if he couldn't face his accuser.

Many citizens agree with Bass, and were upset to see him go.

"They're going to let a man go who has a proven history of law enforcement, who is brilliant at what he does, they're going to let him go because of hearsay from an unnamed source," Lockhart said. "That's not fair."

Gene Aldridge is a 61-year resident of Attica, and has personally known every police chief since 1951. He said Bass is one of the best.

"He's a good man and has the people's best interest at mind all the time," Aldridge said. "Up with the best."

Bass supporters hope to get a petition going to get Bass back on the force.

Bass said even with overwhelming support, he's not sure if he wants his old job back.

Bass wouldn't give specifics on why he is hesitant to go back, but he said he didn't want to be at a job where he is undermined.

Right now Gene Snoeberger is the acting interim police chief.

It's the same man that was removed from the position after Attica citizens signed a petition demanding he leave two and a half years ago.