APD Major Khirus Williams Claims Retirement Was Forced

ATLANTA, Ga. - An Atlanta police major says he was forced to retire after trying to protect Midtown residents. Community volunteers say the flap was over how police officers would be deployed in popular places like Atlantic Station and Piedmont Park.

Khirus Williams has worked for the Atlanta Police Department for 25 years. His abrupt exit has left dozens of people requesting a meeting not only with the police chief, but also with Mayor Kasim Reed.

Midtown Ponce Security Alliance President Peggy Denby doesn't mince words when talking about Atlanta Police Major Khirus Williams. The popular police commander sent an email to neighborhood volunteers just before 8 p.m. Tuesday night. It says, ”As a result of this email, which was intended to protect Midtown's best interest, I've been forced into retirement."

The abrupt departure has caused quite a stir. Denby said she did nothing but answer phone calls, emails and do interviews about Major Williams’ departure on Wednesday. She says his dedication, devotion and his ability and desire to work with people are the things that made him stand out above the rest.

Denby says the major went out on a limb for Midtown residents when he sent an April 20 email encouraging residents to contact Chief George Tuer about a proposal to change how officers patrol. The email says foot beat, segway and motorcycle officers in places like Atlantic Station and Piedmont Park would be no more, and instead officers would respond to 911 calls only.

Penelope Cheroff is the president of the Neighborhood Planning Unit E, and part of a growing number of citizens who are contacting Chief Tuer and Mayor Reed to try to get the retirement rescinded.

Atlanta police released a statement saying, ”We understand Major Khirus Williams intends to retire. The APD is thankful for Major Williams' many years of dedicated service. We wish him well."

They will not answer questions about deployment of officers or a possible forced retirement.
The major declined to discuss the matter as well.