Greg Houdyshell, Warrenton’s chief of police since 2009, is no longer employed by the city, officials said.Lt. Larry Ellard confirmed that he assumed command of the department last week. He pointed all other questions to Director of Operations Terri Thorn.City officials aren’t saying much about Houdyshell’s sudden departure. In previous city meetings and talks with The Record, Houdyshell spoke about multiple upcoming police department programs, with no indication of any plans to vacate his position.Thorn said she couldn’t talk about the circumstances of Houdyshell’s departure because the city doesn’t discuss personnel matters. She did not confirm that Houdyshell resigned, only that he is no longer employed by the city.City leaders haven’t determined when they will permanently fill the chief’s office, Thorn said.“We will carry on just as always with Lt. Ellard at the helm until we have a new chief in place,” Thorn said. “Nothing as far as our operations are going to change — citizens will still be protected, programs will go on as planned. We won’t miss a beat.”Thorn said the department still plans to host the annual Special Olympics Torch Run May 24, as well as a weekly citizens police academy in June and July.Houdyshell had not been reached for comment by press time.He became the police chief in 2009 after former Chief Davis Bernard was forced to resign. Houdyshell had come to the city as a lieutenant less than a year before. Houdyshell previously was captain of the patrol division in Lincoln County for six years, and before that worked his way through the ranks during a 10-year stint in Charlack, a municipality in north St. Louis County.Greg Houdyshell