Millersville Police Chief Bryan Morris Resigns: “I Had No Choice”
MILLERSVILLE, TENNESSEE: (Smokey Barn News) – Smokey Barn News has confirmed with officials and Millersville that Bryan Morris, the city’s current Police Chief, has resigned. Morris has been with the city almost a year to the day. He was originally brought on board as the interim police chief in early February of 2024, but he was moved into the position permanently after about a month.
Morris told Smokey Barn News today that his departure has nothing to do with any investigation and more with the board and the new Interim City Manager, Michael Gorham.
“This had nothing to do with any investigation,” Morris told Smokey Barn News, referring to the TBI investigation. “The new board and city manager are involving themselves in the day-to-day operations of the police department. I loved that department and wanted to stay there for at least 10 more years. But they were misusing their authority to force me out. I had no choice. I want nothing but the best for that department.”
Smokey Barn News has Bryan’s full resignation letter below.
Dear Members of the Board and City Manager:
It is with deep regret that I submit this letter of resignation from my position as Chief of Police of the Millersville Police Department. Please understand that my desire was to continue serving as Chief, but it has become abundantly clear that the Board of Commissioners and the current City Manager do not intend to allow me to fulfill my duties in this capacity.
Despite the Board’s assurances, I have already been stripped of my position as Interim City Manager, and it is clear that the next broken promise will be the Board’s refusal to honor its prior commitment that neither I nor the staff I have hired would be terminated.
The Board’s interference with my position has made the work environment intolerable. The Board concealed an employee complaint from me, which should have been addressed to me in my authority as Interim City Manager or as the Chief of Police. Now, the Board is allowing the new City Attorney to investigate Police Department matters and interfere with an internal affairs investigation, even though the complaint is not an ethics investigation.
I have been deprived of my authority to determine which officers can supervise others, and I am now being micromanaged to the extent that it is detrimental to both my role and the department’s ability to function effectively. Moreover, Commissioner Darnall’s active attempts to turn my own officers against me and each other, coupled with the City Manager’s direct control over the Police Department, have created a toxic atmosphere. Although my department was adequately handling an internal affairs investigation, the new City Manager and the Board appear to be using that investigation as a weapon against me, which is just another example of the badgering and harassment I have endured.
The interference by the Board and City Manager have left me with no choice but to submit this resignation, as they have taken the bat out of my hands and it is only a matter of time before they call me out on strikes.
Despite my sincere love of working with the citizens of Millersville to rebuild a broken police department, it has become clear that this Commission is determined to undo the important progress that my team and I have made to fix the very problems that have plagued this City for years.
I did not undertake this decision lightly. The board’s actions have left me with no feasible path to continue serving the City in an environment that has become not just hostile, but untenable.
I want to express my gratitude to the dedicated men and women of the Millersville Police Department who have worked tirelessly by my side doing important work. We have achieved a great deal together, and it pains me to leave under these circumstances. Nonetheless, I must acknowledge that remaining any longer would only risk further harm to my professional reputation and well-being.
My last day will officially be February the 2nd. This will give me time to come in and meet with Captain Dorris and Lieutenant Watson and turn over all equipment as well as get them up to speed on what needs to be transitioned for the state as well as mutual aid agreements that must be signed.
Sincerely,
Bryan Morris
Chief of Police
Millersville Police Department
According to Gorham, Morris submitted his letter of resignation via email on Thursday. His last day will be February 2. Captain Todd Dorris will step in as the Interim Police Chief until the position is filled.