A few minutes ago, the Eureka City Council affirmed last week’s abrupt dismissal of EPD Chief Garr Nielsen at an emergency Friday afternoon meeting.

After a brief closed-session meeting, City Attorney Andy Stunich announced the results of the meeting. The vote to affirm City Manager Dave Tyson’s decision was 4-1, Stunich reported, with City Councilmember Linda Atkins dissenting. The council also voted 5-0 to affirm the appointment of EPD veteran Murl Harpham as acting chief.

The public had a chance to address the council before the closed-session meeting started. About 100 people showed up in Eureka City Council chambers for the emergency meeting. Over 30 people spoke, with about three-quarters of the speakers voicing their support for Nielsen or calling for Tyson’s dismissal.