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Galveston now without any police force

Town council votes to fire town marshal
Posted at 11:16 PM, Jul 26, 2016
and last updated 2016-07-26 23:58:47-04

GALVESTON, Ind. -- The 1,200 people who live in Galveston, Indiana, are now without a town marshal following a vote by the town council Tuesday night.

A packed crowd turned out for the Galveston Town Hall meeting to determine the fate of Town Marshal Shawn Durham's job.

Ultimately, the council voted 3-2 to terminate the only police force it has.

Durham was accused in engaging in a power struggle over keys and video footage with town leaders. Some in attendance also didn't like that he brought attention to how budget cuts were impacting town safety after he was forced to let go of all of the town's reserve officers.

Town Council President John Hart said the council will hire another marshal, but even members from within the council asked where the money would come from.

Galveston residents will now have to call the Cass County Sheriff's Department if they need law enforcement.