Former Huron Police Chief Talks
By David Brown
Published: April 1, 2011, 10:00 PM

HURON, SD - Former Huron police chief Doug Schmitt resigned Thursday after 11 years at the helm. Schmitt had recently been placed on administrative leave for controversial comments regarding an illegal immigration bill.

KELOLAND News talked exclusively with former police chief Schmitt on Friday to get his take on the past month.

It's a community he's embraced his entire life. And now, former Huron police chief Doug Schmitt is without a job after 32 years in law enforcement.

"I'm sorry the turn of events has caused so much confusion in the community and upheaval," Schmitt said. "It certainly wasn't my intention to do any of that."

Schmitt had been on administrative leave since March 7 after he spoke with lawmakers about a bill that would make it a state crime to hire illegal immigrants.

"I went out to Pierre on my own to testify on an issue," Schmitt said. "I was asked to come out by several legislators. I did that, I went back and the Commission was not happy with me."

The Huron City Commission held a special meeting Thursday to discuss Schmitt's future. He originally asked to be put back to work, but was given a different choice.

"I had the opportunity to resign and take retirement or face a disciplinary hearing scheduled for this coming Monday," Schmitt said. "After considering things very carefully, I elected to tender my resignation and retire."

Schmitt says he's received hundreds of calls and letters from friends and supporters. And despite his disappointment, he's committed to the only place he's ever lived.

"Huron's always been my home," Schmitt said. "This community's been extremely good to me throughout my entire life and my law enforcement career here was payback to the community for the great life I've had here."

KELOLAND NEWS tried contacting all five members of the Huron City Commission today. Three of them, including Mayor Dave McGirr, who was out of town in Minneapolis, declined to comment. Two members did not return our calls.

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