West Frankfort Officers Publicly Back Deputy Chief Willis Amid Chief Rumors

Mayor apologizes for mishandling situation, says no changes planned for police department

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Three West Frankfort police officers spoke at a City Council meeting to show their support for Deputy Chief Clint Willis, saying he has earned their respect and is doing a great job leading the department. This comes after the mayor revealed someone had approached him about the police chief position, which upset Willis and the officers. The mayor has since apologized and said there will be no changes to the police department for the foreseeable future.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the importance of open communication and transparency between city leadership and the police force. The public show of support for Deputy Chief Willis suggests the officers have confidence in his abilities and do not want to see a change in leadership, which could disrupt the department's progress.

The details

During the City Council meeting, three West Frankfort police officers voiced their backing for Deputy Chief Clint Willis, who has been leading the department since Chief John Prudent's retirement last year. The officers said Willis has shown them respect and is doing an excellent job, and they support him 100 percent. This came after Mayor Tim Arview revealed that someone had approached him about the police chief position, which upset Willis and his family, the officers, and members of the City Council.

  • On Tuesday night, the West Frankfort City Council held a meeting.
  • Chief John Prudent retired from the West Frankfort Police Department last year.
  • Mayor Tim Arview recently revealed that someone had approached him about the police chief position.

The players

Clint Willis

The deputy chief of the West Frankfort Police Department who has been leading the department since the retirement of Chief John Prudent.

John Prudent

The former police chief of the West Frankfort Police Department who retired last year.

Tim Arview

The mayor of West Frankfort who revealed that someone had approached him about the police chief position, which upset Willis and the police officers.

Three West Frankfort police officers

Officers who spoke at the City Council meeting to show their support for Deputy Chief Clint Willis.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.