[gscraig]

I would have to disagree with your summation Steve A.

I decided to do the same research as you, when I saw this list to see if there were any patterns in verbage, reasons, etc. I even looked into the time frame to see if there was a benefitl for those in that position to retire a certain time (day or month in the year) to maximize pensions, taxes, etc, but not the case.
However, the premise of your conclusion even considering the economy, does not remove the question being a very valid one. After all, NS presented the thread topic as a question, so the information/curious pattern was only being presented out of curiosity and perhaps for some clarity or feedback.

We were not going find reasons being given such as "I'm resigning due to the Martial Law coming" or "There's a pole shift I have to be prepared for".
That was not going to happen, though there are a couple of instances for example such as the Gate City, TN PChief who gave no reason, and did not comment when it was sought by the media.

In my opinion, it remains to be a good post and curious pattern for pondering.