Police, officials resign after town elects first Black female mayor

Without any notice most of the police officers and officials resigned after Tyrus Byrd was sworn in as Parma, Missouri’s first Black female mayor.

Tyrus Byrd is Parma’s first Black female mayor

Tyrus Byrd, a former city clerk, was officially sworn in as mayor on Tuesday after beating incumbent Randall Ramsey. Ramsey had served as mayor of Parma for 37 years under two terms.

The outgoing mayor said five of the city’s six police officers submitted their resignation, citing “safety concerns.” Parma’s city attorney, clerk and water treatment supervisor also quit.

Some Parma residents say they aren’t worried about safety now that the police force has gotten smaller.

Shady town

“I think it’s pretty dirty they all quit without giving her a chance,” resident Martha Miller told KFVS.

“But I don’t think they hurt the town any by quitting, because who needs six police for 740 people.”

At her swearing in ceremony, Byrd said that she is looking to getting things in order for the city.