Former Police Chief and Officers Speak During Centralia Board of Aldermen Meeting

A large crowd packed the Centralia City Hall Council Chambers Monday night to learn more about the ongoing issues between the Centralia Police Department and city officials. Last week saw the resignation of Centralia Police Chief Bob Bias, along with three other officers. Their resignations stemmed from the firing of officer Pat McGee in August over an alleged policy violation. Former Centralia Police Chief Bob Bias explained his decision to resign.

Bias started working with the Centralia Police Department as a part-time patrol officer in 2005. He worked for the department until 2016 when he became the Hallsville Police Chief. He returned to Centralia to take the same role in 2018. Bias said he hopes his resignation will lead to more transparency from the city.

One of the officers who recently resigned, Logan Feger, spoke during the meeting. Feger discussed a previous issue he had with the city administration.

During the meeting, the Centralia Board of Aldermen announced the selection of Nate Stoebe as the interim police chief. The search for a new permanent police chief is ongoing. The board also approved the hiring of a third-party legal counsel Cunningham, Vogel, & Rost P.C. of St. Louis to look into any impropriety within the city administration.