LEE COUNTY, Fla. — Following the Fort Myers City Manager's recommendation of external candidate Reo Hatfield for the next Police Chief, City Council members rejected the decision.
Council members voted 4-3 to reject the Manager's recommendation.
The nationwide search to replace the late Chief Derrick Diggs was narrowed down to four candidates. In addition to Hatfield, that included Gina Hawkins of North Carolina and two internal candidates, Captain Jason Fields and Captain Victor Medico.
Hatfield has served as Deputy Chief with the Virginia Beach Police Department since 1997. He also served in the U.S. Marine Corps and in all four precincts — Special Investigations Bureau, Special Operations Bureau, Internal Affairs Bureau and the Chief’s Staff.
He holds a Master's Degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor's Degree in Criminology.
Although the City Manager has given his recommendation, City Council members can make their own decision.
