Hartford community members puzzled by city manager’s decision to fire Police Chief

HARTFORD, Mich. -- A community confused. Hearts left heavy after the sudden termination of Police Chief Mike Prince.

The community wants answers.

One week ago, the Chief was fired by City Manager Nicol Brown, still with no disclosed reasoning.

Chief Mike Prince took on the role in January 2023 and now with his departure, the five-officer department will be led by interim Chief Phil Lucas.

Many in the small community attended a rally for Prince’s reinstatement.

“Chief Prince is the type of person that would give you the shirt off his back,” John Spoula, Hartford Business Owner said.

John Spoula owns the local comic bookstore, but he also organized the rally on Monday. He says local officers are part of the community.

“The police are invaluable to us. And we, being the small town like this, you become friends with these people. More than police and citizen. It’s a first name basis and they’re there for everything,” Spoula continued.

The local town Facebook group is full of messages with questions and tons supporting the former chief. Many asking, why would this happen?

The people of the town are actively pushing for a public meeting with the city.

Hartford has considered closing down the department and contracting services from the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office.

The reasons cited were budget and staffing concerns.

Before Chief Prince, Tressa Beltran was the chief who in June, was sentenced to three years in prison for stealing and selling prescription drugs from the evidence room while on the job.

We did speak with the now former chief via phone call today who declined to go on-camera but said him, his wig and family are devastated.

The city, after we reached out, did not get back to us with an official statement.