No local government wants to create headlines like the one that originated in Vidalia Monday.

“Police chief charged” — it’s a hard blow, especially in a small community where everyone knows everyone.

Law enforcement personnel are supposed to do the charging not be on the receiving end. And, as citizens, we must hold our policemen and deputies to a higher standard. We need their protection, their honesty and their high level of ethics.

That’s why official word that the U.S. Attorney’s Office thinks now-former Police Chief Ronnie G. “Tapper” Hendricks did something illegal is a difficult pill to swallow.

Of course, Hendricks — accused of making false statements to federal investigators — is innocent until proven guilty, but no matter the outcome of his case, the headline remains.

The City of Vidalia, like it has so many times in the past, responded quickly and appropriately.

Mayor Hyram Copeland sought early on to let the people of Vidalia know that the city was on top of the situation. He assured everyone that the police force was still functioning at full strength.

Hendricks submitted his resignation to Copeland, and hours later the mayor was talking to aldermen about the city’s next move.

Before 7 p.m. on the day the charges were filed, Vidalia had a new, trusted police chief, an assistant chief and a plan for rallying the troops.

Copeland said he would personally talk with the VPD officers, assuring them the city’s leadership was behind them.

Strong, quick leadership in the worst of times can help make a bad situation better. Vidalia has proven that, and its residents should feel safe and thankful to call the city home.