Lee announces plans to retire as FCPD Chief
Mayor begins search for replacement
Forrest City Police Chief Deon Lee is retiring, effective July 1.
Mayor Cedric Williams issued a press release late Wednesday afternoon saying Lee submitted his resignation on Friday, adding that he was announcing the resignation “with regret.”
According to the press release, “Chief Lee submitted his letter of resignation via a letter to Mayor Williams. The letter simply said, ‘Please accept this letter as notice of my resignation from my position as police chief. My last day of employment will be July 1, 2022.’”
Lee, who is running as a Democratic candidate for St. Francis County Sheriff in the May 24 primary, said he had already planned to retire at the end of this year, but made the decision to retire earlier in order to devote more time to the campaign and his family.
“My retirement from the city has no effect on the sheriff’s race,” said Lee. “I had planned to retire Jan. 1 whether I won the sheriff’s race or not. It’s just getting a little overwhelming juggling the responsibilities of police chief while also trying to campaign and spend time with my family. I am really committed to winning this sheriff’s race and getting in that office. I believe this decision is a better move for me at this time.”
Lee said the increase in violent crimes throughout the city had little impact on his decision to retire.
“Crime did create more of an uptempo in the department that required more of my time. With everything that is going on, the citizens need someone who is able to give this job 100%,” said Lee. “This job requires 100% of my focus and attention, and with me running for sheriff, I just didn’t think it was fair to the citizens.”
Lee has worked 27 years in law enforcement, with 22 of those being in Forrest City where he has served in numerous capacities.
He began his career as a police officer with the Hughes Police Department in 1995 before moving to the Forrest City Police Department in 1999. At the FCPD, he has served as a patrolman, school resource officer, sergeant, lieutenant, CID commander, SWAT commander, assistant police chief and chief.
“Chief Lee has served the city well, helping to bring new crimefighting technology to the city, such as SkyCop cameras and ShotSpotter equipment,” said Williams. “He has been a staunch supporter of his employees – lobbying for incentives and raises for his employees. I appreciate his service to the City of Forrest City and wish him well in his future endeavors.”
Williams said the search for a new police chief will begin immediately.