FORT PIERCE, Fla. (WPTV) — Facing calls for a change in leadership at the Fort Pierce Police Department, the city’s longtime police chief submitted her resignation on Sunday just hours before a special meeting to discuss the department’s future.
In an email sent to City Manager Richard Chess, Chief Diane Hobley-Burney said her resignation would be effective 90 days after its acceptance by the Fort Pierce City Commission.
WATCH: Commission votes 3-2 to accept chief's resignation
“During my tenure over the past ten years, I committed myself to fostering a strong foundation for the department that emphasized the voices of our citizens and prioritized the safety of our officers,” Hobley-Burney said. “Together with the community, I am proud of the many accomplishments the department has achieved during this time, which have consistently been reflected in positive evaluations.”
WPTV’s Jon Shainman was at a special meeting on Monday morning, where, in a split 3-2 vote, the commission decided to accept Hobley-Burney's resignation.
Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner James Taylor, and Commissioner Michael Broderick voted to accept.
"The change in leadership I think is a start to fixing the woes of our department. But I still believe we are in a crisis situation from a funding perspective and a staffing perspective," said Commissioner Broderick.
Commissioner Arnold Gaines and Commissioner Curtis Johnson Jr. voted against.
“I think our problems are bigger than the chief right now. I just want to say she did a tremendous job in being our chief and a lot of times being under-resourced," said Commissioner Johnson.
Hobley-Burney was not in attendance at Monday’s special meeting. Her attorney read the resignation letter into the record.
With the resignation finalized, the city of Fort Pierce placed Hobley-Burney on administrative leave to serve out the final 90 days of her employment.
The commission then voted unanimously to appoint Deputy Chief Robert Ridle as acting police chief, effective immediately.
Ridle, with 29 years on the force, told Shainman he is committed to the stability of the police department. However, he is 18 months away from retirement and says he's not interested in applying for the police chief opening.
“I want to provide a continuum of services to our citizens. I want to provide stability for our police officers and I want to maintain public safety to the best of our ability," said Ridle.
Ridle is expected serve as acting police chief until the commission appoints someone to serve as interim police chief in the next 90 days.
The Fort Pierce City Commission said it expects to retain a search firm to assist in the process of finding the city’s next chief, although the commission took no vote on Monday related to any firm.
The chief’s departure comes less than a week after the city commission reviewed a new report by the Center for Public Safety Management that made an extensive list of recommendations. The report said the department overall provides quality law enforcement services.
Shainman spoke to City Commissioner James Taylor and Chief Hobley-Burney following that May 12 meeting.
"I'm ready for a change in our management at the police department," said Taylor. "This 'we're doing OK, we're meeting the status quo,' it's not doing it for me. It's not doing it for the citizens."
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Hobley-Burney acknowledged a “number of things” needed to be addressed, including officer pay and retention; however, she said she wanted to stay in her position. Six days later, on Sunday, she submitted her resignation.
“Regrettably, comments made during the waning minutes of last Monday’s commission meeting have undermined trust, introducing division within the department and significantly eroding morale,” Hobley-Burney wrote in her resignation letter to commissioners. “Allegations of promised changes to key leadership positions have fostered an atmosphere of conflict and made it increasingly challenging to lead effectively under such circumstances.”
Hobley-Burney joined the Fort Pierce Police Department in June 2015 after 27 years with the Tampa Police Department.
