LAKE HELEN, Fla. – The Lake Helen City Commission voted Monday night to keep its police department following a couple of hours of emotional testimony from officers and residents.
The special meeting was called to decide whether to dissolve the city’s police department and contract services through the Volusia Sheriff’s Office, a move city leaders said could save more than $370,000 annually.
The standing-room-only crowd filled the room with many residents and officers making impassioned pleas to preserve the department.
“I’ve always worked for small cities. Small cities want the service that this police department gives,” one officer told the commission. “There is nothing the sheriff’s office can do to match that.”
Several officers spoke about their dedication to the community and concerns about losing their careers and pensions.
“I came here to Lake Helen. I devoted my job here to Lake Helen for that career,” one officer said. “If I’m gone, my pension is gone. I’m 44 years old. Where do I go start a pension?”
Residents also shared personal stories about how the department responded to emergencies in their lives. One recalled calling 911 after their son’s death.
“They were at my house,” the resident said. “Same thing with my mother when my mother was sick. They were the first ones there.”
While the majority spoke in favor of keeping the department, some argued the city needs to make tough budget decisions to keep taxes from rising.
“The issue here is we have to address our budget,” one resident said. “The taxes that are going up, I can’t continue to keep paying if we can’t do something about our budget.”
The commission ultimately voted 3-2 to retain the department. Mayor Vernon Burton said the topic could be revisited next year, but for now, no further discussions are planned.
“They were concerned citizens that made their voices heard,” Burton said after the meeting.