After a series of personnel problems at the Gainesville Police Department, Chief Norman Botsford has announced his retirement. He turned in an intent to retire letter yesterday evening to the city manager. He's retiring at a time when the Gainesville Police Department has had a number of officers who have displayed disorderly conduct, making the department not look so good.
Chief Botsford will stay on through the recruitment process, which the city feels should take about 4 months. The city is planning on conducting a national search.
In the Chief's letter to Russ Blackburn he writes he will work closely with the city to rebuild the trust and confidence within the community that repairs the damage a few employees have done. City Manager, Russ Blackburn says,"I am saddened by particularly the most recent incident, i am insulted to some degree by the actions of those individuals".
At the city commission meeting, commissioners held off on any comments or questions regarding Gainesville Police until the public hearing tonight. Suprisingly, the two gpd officers, Billy Long and Joshua Hinson, the one's involved in the egg throwing incident that took place in the Porter's neighborhood did show up and offer an apology. Billy Long says,"We stand before you today ashamed of the embarrassment we have caused ourselves, our family, our fellow co officers, this commission and most important the citizens we serve here in Gainesville".