SOUTHPORT, N.C. -- The chief of police and his top lieutenant in Southport have officially been fired.

  • Chief of police and his top lieutenant fired in Southport
  • They were being investigated for working for a trucking company while also clocked in for work as officers
  • The entire department was shut down after the initial arrest

Back in late July, Chief Gary Smith and Lt. Michael Simmons were arrested.

They were being investigated for working for a trucking company while also clocked in for work as officers.

The two were initially on paid leave, then suspended, and now fired. The situation has shocked many in the small coastal community.

"I'm surprised, and I'm disappointed. This is a simple and a lovely town, with good people doing good things, and this was a real shock to all of us," said Southport resident Pat Carney.

The entire department was shut down after the initial arrest, and the city had to pay the Brunswick County Sheriff's Office for law enforcement services.

Get the latest news, sports and weather delivered straight to your inbox. Click here to sign up for email and text alerts.