FORT MYERS, Fla. — The Fort Myers city manager has recommended Reo Hatfield to be chosen as the Fort Myers Police Department’s new chief of police.
However, the city council voted against hiring Hatfield as the next chief of police in a 4-3 decision.
Fort Myers City Council members met Tuesday evening for the city manager’s recommendation. There were four candidates left in the running:
- Jason Fields, Police Captain / Acting Major, Fort Myers Police Department
- Gina V. Hawkins, Chief of Police, Fayetteville Police Department (Retired)
- Reo Hatfield, Deputy Chief, Virginia Beach Police Department
- Victor J. Medico, Captain, Fort Myers Police Department
Hatfield has 26 years of police experience, along with veteran experience. He was serving as Deputy Police Chief at the Virginia Beach Police Department throughout this search.
The search for a new Fort Myers chief of police had over 170 applications submitted.
Fort Myers held two public forums on June 1 to give residents an opportunity to meet the four finalists.
GET MORE COVERAGE: Fort Myers Police Chief candidates address resident concerns during public forums
With Hatfield’s rejection, the city manager is not ready to bring a second person forward.
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