Falkville Council accepted a resignation agreement with Police Chief Chris Free, with   settlements in excess of over $20,000, at a called business session on May 15.

The action, which was approved by unanimous vote of Mayor Ken Winkles and all five council members, ended Free’s extended leave after he was identified as a subject of interest in a federal police investigation.

Captain Aaron Burgess served as the administrator in charge of the police department during Free’s absence.

Terms of the agreement authorized the town clerk to make payments to Free of $14,615.86, less customary withholdings, for unpaid salary and accrued vacation as well as a lump sum payment of $10,000, not subject to withholdings.

The council also made an exception to the personnel policy by authorizing Free to be compensated (minus withholdings) for accrued sick leave instead of allowing it to be credited toward his state retirement.

At a regular meeting in March, Free was placed on administrative leave with pay following an executive session.

His resignation was effectively immediately. He served with the Falkville police Department for 15 years. He was police chief for 13 years.