LAKE WALES, Fla. — In a packed city commission meeting on Tuesday evening, City Manager James Slaton backpedaled his decision to remove the city's police chief.
The police chief of Lake Wales was suspended without pay on Monday by the city manager over accusations of nepotism and lack of transparency, according to a letter sent to Police Chief Chris Velasquez.
One day later, that decision was reversed.
"I am rescinding my memorandum dated March 11, 2024," Slaton said during Tuesday's meeting. Slaton wrapped up his comments by stating the community needs stability and that he is working alongside the chief to address the concerns.
Once the announcement was made, clapping and cheers filled the room. Chief Chris Velasquez then took a moment to address the situation.
"I just like to say thank you, and I'd like to apologize for any type of challenges that we've gone through as a city," Velasquez said. "But I want to thank you for your support. For 31 years I've put this uniform on and every day I've been proud to wear it. I'll continue to do that. I'll continue to serve. And I'll continue to do my job with honor and integrity..."
The meeting then transitioned to the public comment period. Dozens of residents came prepared with comments. Many of those residents had to adjust their comments following the surprise announcement from the city manager. Comments prepared to condemn the city for suspending the chief quickly turned into praise.
"I'm really astounded right now that this has been worked out and I'm very proud to be a part of this city," one man shared, thanking the commissioners, mayor, and manager for their decision.
"He has integrity, he's honest, he's straight to the point, he doesn't make up stuff, he's not racist," another woman shared with the room.
Others who came to the city commission meeting were hopeful for a different outcome, saying the Black voices of Lake Wales are again going unheard.
"He needs to interact more with the Black community, where we [come] from," a woman opposed to the decision to reinstate the chief said.
Some residents point to recent police officer promotions as a display of racism.
"When promotions came up a few weeks ago, no Blacks were promoted, and they was real qualified," a man shared, calling the city's steps a bandaid.
While 10 Tampa Bay attended the meeting, those concerns were brought directly to the chief.
"We'll continue to work with our community and work hand in hand with our partners and try to develop new partners as we possibly can. We'll always do the right thing, I promise you that," Chief Velasquez said.
10 Tampa Bay asked the city manager how he plans to address concerns of racism and nepotism with the chief. His response: "no comment."
Malique Rankin is a general assignment reporter with 10 Tampa Bay. You can email her story ideas at mrankin@10tampabay.com and follow her Facebook, X, and Instagram pages.