West Branch police chief resigning

West Branch police chief David Bloem has officially expressed his desire to resign from his position with the city after five years of service.

"This letter is to inform you that I am resigning my position as the Chief of Police for the City of West Branch effective June 3, 2011 to pursue other career opportunities," Bloem wrote to City Attorney Kevin Olson.

Bloem's resignation is on the agenda for tonight's West Branch City Council meeting. Members plan to vote on the terms and conditions of Bloem's duties over his next several weeks of service and post-resignation benefits and payment.

Earlier this month an administrative law judge upheld the denial of unemployment benefits of a 29-year-old former Cedar County Sheriff's Department female dispatcher that was "talking dirty" to a West Branch police officer while on duty.

The West Branch officer involved in the case has not been named. It is currently unclear whether Bloem's resignation is connected to the case in any way.

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