KENLY, North Carolina — An entire police department in a North Carolina town has quit over what it called a hostile work environment, and local leaders have scheduled a meeting for Friday to work out how to protect residents .

Kenly Police Chief Josh Gibson said he and four other officers delivered their two-week notices late Wednesday afternoon, media reported. Gibson said utility clerk Christy Jones and deputy city manager Sharon Evans also quit.

WRAL said the police normally have eight officers, but were down to just five at the time of the resignations.

Gibson, who had worked for the department for 21 years, said officers were unable to perform their duties due to the environment created by City Manager Justine Jones, who took office in early June. In their resignation letters, employees cite a “hostile”, “toxic” and stressful work environment.

Jones declined to comment on the resignations.

City attorney Chip Hewett said the city will hold an emergency meeting at 7 p.m. Friday to discuss how it will handle public safety. Johnston County Sheriff Steve Bizzell said his office will ensure Kenly residents are protected.

Kenly, with a population of approximately 2,400, lies approximately 72 km southeast of Raleigh.