Former Sanford Police Chief Speaks Out
Friday, June 22, 2012 at 12:44PM 
This is a statement issued by former police chief Bill Lee:
Statement from Chief Bill Lee
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
It is disappointing that, in spite of his steadfast commitment to fairness and waiting for the results of a review of the Sanford Police Department and its investigation of the Trayvon Martin case, City Manager Bonaparte has chosen to exercise his rights under the employment contract to terminate my employment without cause.
I continue to stand by the work performed by the Sanford Police Department in this tragic shooting, which has been plagued by misrepresentations and false statements for interests other than justice. As the case progresses through the justice system, the evidence will show that our investigation was a proper effort to find the truth and follow the law. This has already been validated by evidence that has since become public as well as by comments from the special prosecutor.
I appreciate the opportunity I have had to serve all the people of the City of Sanford, the City Employees and especially the men and women of the Sanford Police Department.
In a statement released by Sanford City Manager Norton Bonaparte earlier in the day, Bonaparte said he relieved the chief of his duties (meaning fired) because he had “determined the police chief needs to have the trust and respect of the elected officials and the confidence of the entire community.”
I spoke to two police officers in Sanford. Both said that you wouldn’t find a better or more intelligent person than Bill Lee. Notwithstanding, I can understand the city’s predicament, but if cans of worms are to be opened, let’s open them all.
I think it’s interesting to note that Norton Bonaparte was fired from the same position (as city manager of Topeka, Kansas) for mishandling a theft perpetrated by city employees. Apparently, “Bonaparte handled it as a personnel matter and meted out punishment to the employees rather turn the case over to law enforcement authorities. He didn’t inform council members of the case or the details until they demanded information.” (See: Topeka no stroll in park for Bonaparte and Editorial: Theft should be investigated)
No one is above the law, and no one is perfect. Pointing fingers sometimes point back and, sometimes, good people are let go for good reasons.
Dave Knechel | tagged Norton Bonaparte, Sanford City Manager Norton Bonaparte, Sanford Police Chief Bill Lee | in Dave Knechel, David B. Knechel, David Knechel, George Zimmerman, Marinade Dave, Marinade Dave Knechel, Sanford Police Department, Slimm v. Zimm, Zimm v. Slimm, marinadedave | Share Article 
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Reader Comments (3)
Just proof of good riddance if you ask me.
This is one of those "issues" that's hard to comment on as the Martin and Zimmerman case is just one case of hundreds taken on under his command. Should he've investigated more that day in February? Hindsight is 20/20 so I'm not sure if i'd want his neck in a noose and that his career should be jepodized...perhaps i'm a bit conflicted as I understand the responsibility and the gravity of the situation but the failure of the case stems beyond and, to me, begins with the "Stand Your Ground" law which he is sworn to uphold.
I reviewing some of the earlier reports i do not see where it stated that the State of Florida closed the investigation so, unless proven otherwise, its not as though this tragedy was not being investigated on some level.
Its easy to lynch whom the public feels as the responsible party and turn your negativity onto just one person but there are too many issues that complicate this. I will conceede that he should've done a better job but often times the wheels of justice turn slow and this is a perfect example.
Like you and I- Stand Your Ground became subjective (I am amazed how often you can interject this word into about every sentence ha-ha ☺) which complicates finding the truth and finding the crime. Strip everything away as we have but look at LE whom not only have to strip it away but have to find the crime as only 2 people were witness to the crime and 1 is dead.
Its easy to play "armchair detective" and knowing hindsight is always 20/20 I'm not sure what he did was not in the best interest of the department and one case should not define a persons success. This is a tragedy in every sense of the word and I'm not certain if Florida's laws prohibited LE?
JMO
I agree with most of what you said bman and while I'm a 100% sure that Chief Lee did not do his best I don't think it warrants being fired. I might not have a problem with it except it comes from Bonaparte who has a very shady past and poor history of getting along with colleagues.