City of Sanford selects interim police chief

Richard Myers will start at end of week, officials say

SANFORD, FLa. – An interim police chief for the Sanford Police Department has been selected, city officials said.

City Manager Norton N. Bonaparte, Jr. said on Tuesday that Richard Myers, a former chief of police in Colorado Springs, will be the interim chief.

Myers also served as police chief in Appleton, Wis., and in the suburbs of Detroit and Chicago.

The offer was made to Myers after a search began March 24 by the Police Executive Research Forum. Myers is the fourth chief Sanford has had in two months.

Former Police Chief Bill Lee stepped down temporarily following the death investigation of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, who was shot and killed by George Zimmerman on Feb. 26.  Lee remains on paid administrative leave.

In Lee's absence, Capt. Darren Scott served as acting police chief.

"I believe the day to day operations that Chief Scott has taken care of is remarkable," Bonaparte said. "But I would like someone who has been chief to come in and give me additional assistance in looking and reviewing the Sanford Police Department."

[READ: Myers' biography]

Myers will begin leading the police department at the end of the week, according to the news release. Myers will be chief for a few months but will not permanently take the position, because he is retired and doesn't want the full-time position.

Sanford offered Myers, the job with a letter on April 20 outlining:

  • $8,996.67 monthly salary
  • $1,200 monthly temporary living expenses
  • City vehicle & cell phone
  • $4,000 professional moving expenses
  • $1,000 for lodging/meals, etc.
  • $1,500 for airfare for initial trip to Sanford and to search for a home
  • 16 hours of paid time off a month

A news conference will be held at 11 a.m. Friday to introduce Myers.


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