CLAYTON (KMOX) - St. Louis County Police Chief Mary Barton is leaving the department. She announced her retirement Friday morning after a special, closed session of the County Board of Police Commissioners.
"I wish the best to whoever follows in my footsteps and I will always wish the best for this police department," she said.
Barton had filed a complaint with the EEOC- or Equal Employment Opportunity Commission- alleging discrimination after Commissioners sent her two letters this year expressing dissatisfaction with her job performance.
Her departure includes a $290,000 settlement, of which she'll take home $190,000 and the rest is for attorneys' fees. Her retirement will take effect after a leave of absence for her to use up remaining vacation days.
Deputy Police Chief Lieutenant Colonel Kenneth Gregory will step in as Interim Police Chief as a search will begin for Barton's replacement.
"The board is confident in Chief Gregory's leadership and abilities to maintain the department's quality police services and move the department forward on several important initiatives," Commissioner Michelle Schwerin said.
Lt. Col. Brian Ludwig will move up to Acting Deputy Chief.
"The safety of the region and the department is of the upmost important to this board, as well as the efforts to cultivate inclusivity," Schwerin said.
Barton was the first woman ever appointed to her position in May of 2020. She's faced multiple controversies related to racism within her department in the last 15 months.
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The County Council declared no confidence in Barton in April, saying the chief was incapable of leading the St. Louis County Police Department “in the right direction.”
Barton concluded her short remarks after Friday's meeting by saying, "I would like to thank this opportunity for 43 wonderful years of service here at the department."
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