Palisade’s Police Department is looking for a new full time chief.

Carroll Quarles officially resigned last Friday.

The town of Palisade told Quarles he either had to resign or he'd be terminated. 

But now town officials say they can't comment on the resignation because of a confidentiality agreement.

For the past decade and a half, Quarles was an at-will employee. Meaning, he could have been dismissed at any time without a reason.

Palisade residents say they were shocked to hear that he was stepping down.

“He's well known here and I think it's going to find someone who knows the area as well as he does,” Mollee Hall said. “Being here 17 years that's quite a long time.”

Palisade and Grand Junction Police Departments are now in a contract for the temporary police chief.

Mike Nordine is a police veteran and commander in charge of GJPD’s investigative division, but he'll serve as Palisades Police Chief until the end of April, if the position isn't filled before then.  

He started on November 5th and is making close to $98,000 a year in the position.

Officials with the town of Palisade say they are grateful for all of the time and work former chief Quarles dedicated to Palisade.