The Lake City Police Department is operating on a skeleton staff after the sudden departure of its longtime police chief, Bobby Rist, and suspension of another officer. According to City Administrator, Eric Wood, three of their four full-time staff members tendered their resignations over the span of less than three weeks.
Rist’s resignation marks the end of nearly three decades of service with the Lake City Police Department. Wood stresses these notices are unrelated to any wrongdoing while serving in an official capacity for the City of Lake City. He says their notices were not given in lieu of termination, and he is unable to provide additional details due to the issue being a personnel matter. Following a brief closed session at their meeting Tuesday night, the Lake City Council unanimously approved a motion to begin advertising for two new full-time officers. Until those positions are filled, Wood says the department will be severely understaffed.
He adds city officials have reached out to nearby law enforcement agencies for assistance while the department searches for a new police chief and patrol officer.
