VIDEO: Entire Small Town South Carolina Police Force Quits

For 14 years and through two different mayors, Mark Fallaw was the police chief for the town of North. That career came to an end on December 1 when he resigned, stating issues with the new mayor, Patty Carson.

"For her to be directing procedures that were contrary to national standards, that was going to cause a problem," said Fallaw. "So I just said it was best for me probably to step down."

Fallaw says Carson issued a gag order on the department saying they were not able to speak to media members and she would handle all requests. Fallaw says the new mayor also requested a two-week notice on any public appearances and also wanted to monitor incoming and outgoing department emails.

Fallaw detailed those concerns in his letter of resignation and when he left, his employees followed, WLTX TV reports.

With no force to patrol the town, the county has had to take over. In a statement, the Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office says "the agency is answering calls and responding to those calls until further notice."