(Editorial - Graphic Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

Late last week, Warren Basnett resigned his position as Calhoun County sheriff. Questions remain as to whether the involvement of the prosecutor’s office may have hastened his decision.

But what does seem clear is that Basnett resigned after having made at least one very poor decision. According to reports by multiple news outlets, Basnett was in charge when the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Department brought guns (one of which was reportedly picked up and aimed by a student who pretended to shoot it) to the Calhoun County Middle/High School career day March 31.

Calhoun County Clerk Jean Simers said she received the resignation letter from Basnett and referred further questions to Prosecutor Nigel Jeffries. That may be because Jeffries discussed with Calhoun County Commissioners concerns including the career day incident, but also: lack of certified deputies in the sheriff’s office, improperly documented court orders, alleged civil service rule violations and the posting of a newspaper advertisement about a silent auction offering used police cruisers.

Basnett has not given a reason for his resignation, and Jeffries has not yet been available to answer questions.

Should the concerns voiced over Basnett’s behavior and appallingly poor judgment prove valid, Jeffries may have some work ahead to determine what consequences are warranted. In the meantime, commissioners must choose an interim sheriff with the utmost respect for rules, regulations and the law; and with perhaps more than the usual measure of common sense. The interim sheriff must be a person who sets a good example for the department, and a figure the public can trust.

After all, whoever is chosen could be in that position for quite some time until the next election rolls around. Given the damage that must be repaired, it is essential commissioners get this one right.