Springer Police Chief Rick Sinclair will spend his last day on the job on Friday after heading the small police force for 4 1/2 years, citing "differences" with the town council, the Raton Range reported.

Sinclair submitted his resignation early last week, and a day later, the town's lone officer, Mitch Sutton, also resigned effective Nov. 14, the Range reported.

Both men cited "differences" with town leaders but declined to discuss details, according to the paper.

Sinclair told the Range that while both men have maintained a busy schedule as the only two lawmen in town, the resignations were not because of a workload issue.

Mayor Johnny Chavez told the Range he believed Sinclair's resignation was over "frustration" at being unable to solve a recent rash of vandalism around town and because the small department was being asked to perform more animal control duties and to enforce ordinances requiring people to keep their yards clean.

Chavez said he hoped Sinclair would reconsider his resignation, the Range reported.

Sinclair is an 18-year veteran of law enforcement who took over as Springer's police chief in June 2004 to replace former chief Eric Gonzales who left that January to work in Albuquerque, according to the paper.

Colfax County sheriff's deputies and New Mexico State Police covered the town during the four-month interim in early 2004 and are expected to pick up any law-enforcement slack until more officers can be hired, the Range reported.