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Pa. Police Chief Suspended After Video Profanities

By Elizabeth Hur

GILBERTON, Pa., (CBS) - Suspended without pay!

That's the punishment for a small town police chief making big headlines for his profanity-laced, gun firing videos.

Mark Kessler caused an uproar when he posted several videos on Youtube. Wednesday night, the Gilberton, Schuylkill County police chief met the controversy head on.

"I make no apologies and have no regrets," Kessler said.

Kessler remained defiant even after learning on this night, he's been suspended for thirty days without pay effective immediately. Gilberton Council members voted five to one. They also voted and passed new policies ordering Kessler not to wear his uniform or use his title for personal use.

"I respect their decisions and I will abide by their decision and that's that. But the borough does not own the title, Chief.  I'm not changing. I will not bend to political hacks of pressure," Kessler said.

Kessler's attorney Joseph Nahas added, "Based on that vote it's something we'll have to talk about tomorrow and see what steps to take, if any steps."

The videos show Kessler rapidly firing an automatic gun into a hillside. Before pulling the trigger, Kessler is heard directing obscenities at liberals, Secretary of State John Kerry and the UN. Another video starts with an apology but ends with more gun shots.

Both videos have gone viral after being posted earlier this month.

Michael Morrill of Schuylkill County argued, "We ended up getting 20,000 signatures asking for him to be fired. This suspension is totally inadequate."

Gene Stilp of Dauphin County added, "This gentleman should be fired he's bad for Pennsylvania, he's bad for second amendment, gun owners like myself."

Kessler's attorney is confident his client, who's held his position for 14 years will keep his job. Meanwhile, the top cop says he isn't wavering.

"Regardless of what people say, they're entitled to their opinion and so be it," Kessler noted.

The chief reiterated he respects the council's decision and looks forward to returning to his post in a month. When asked if he will be making any more videos, his response? He will keep us in suspense.

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