Evansdale Fires Police Chief

Evansdale police chief Kent Smock has been fired by the city council.

The decision was made following a one-hour closed session during a special meeting held Tuesday night (April 14, 2015). The vote was 3-1.

Ward 2 councilman Ron Nichols made the motion to terminate Smock's employment, while indicating that Smock had turned down an offer. At-large councilman Gene Walker then seconded the move. Ward 4 councilman Richard Dewater cast the only vote in Smock's favor.

Mayor Doug Faas said after the meeting that the termination was effective immediately. He declined to comment on the reason for Smock's firing and also didn't disclose what the offer was that Smock turned down.

Smock has served as Evansdale's top cop since March of 2012. The retired Black Hawk County sheriff's deputy was appointed to the position by former Mayor Chad Deutsch. At the time he took the job, Smock was also serving as Evansdale's fire chief.

In late February, Smock submitted his resignation as fire chief and announced he was taking an extended vacation before resuming his duties running the city's police department.

Since July of 2012, Smock has been leading the investigation into the unsolved kidnapping and murders of cousins Elizabeth Collins and Lyric Cook-Morrissey.

Smock declined to comment after Tuesday's decision.

Sergeant Jeff Jensen has been serving as the city's acting police chief in Smock's absence. He's been a member of the Evansdale police force for 24 years.

Faas wants to begin the process of hiring a new chief as soon as possible. The mayor said he plans to appoint an interim chief at next week's city council meeting.