(STURGIS) – The Sturgis City Commission accepted and approved the resignation of Director of Public of Safety Geoffrey Smith.

Following a closed session during Wednesday's meeting, Sturgis Vice Mayor Jon Good made the following motion. ...... {LISTEN}.

Sturgis City Manager Mike Hughes explains what the separation agreement means. ...... {LISTEN}.

Smith's resignation became effective Wednesday. He was placed on administrative leave by the City on August 16. On August 15, Smith was involved in an automobile accident while he was off duty in the 600 block of North Lakeview Avenue. The St. Joseph County Sheriff's Department was called in to investigate the incident. They charged Smith with operating while intoxicated with a high blood alcohol content.

Smith issued a statement Wednesday, saying he is grateful for the last 24 years of service to the City of Sturgis. He says for most of his adult life, his desire was to give back to his community and assist in making it a desirable place for people to work and live.

Smith says he made a mistake and accepts full responsibility for what he has done. That is part of the reason he is resigning as the Director of Public Safety.

Smith says he is truly sorry for his actions and the hardships they have brought to his community, family, co-workers, peers and friends.

Smith was scheduled to be arraigned today in St. Joseph County District Court. That has been postponed, pending a request to have the matter moved to another venue.