(New Carlisle) - There’s been a major shake-up at the police department in New Carlisle.

The chief of police and his deputy chief resigned abruptly late last week.

Chief Cal Dittmar tendered his resignation last Thursday. The next day, Chief Deputy Brian Thompson retired.

New Carlisle town councilman Jordon Budreau says the announcements came suddenly. "It just kind of happened abruptly," he says. "I talked with the poilice oficers last week, and kind of put some of their worries at ease."

Although their departures were unexpected, Dittmar and Thompson had been embroiled in a legal controversy for some time. In the past year and a half, two separate lawsuits were brought against the pair, alleging they secretly recorded private conversations at police headquarters. The civil suits were filed by the former Chief of Police and a former officer, along with three others. Budreau would not comment on whether the resignations are connected to the lawsuits.

For now, Jim Niedbalski is serving as interim police chief. A search for replacements in ongoing. Budreau expects the positions to be filled in a few weeks.