Waldo, Florida — The Waldo City council voted last night to disband the Waldo Police Department effective at midnight, October 1, 2014.
This means that all law enforcement functions will be assumed by the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office. Currently employed Waldo Police Officers will be on paid administrative leave until October 31, 2014, to give the officers time to seek alternate employment.
Acting Captain Steve Maynard’s tour of duty as the interim Police Chief will end and he will resume his normal duties at the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Darnell expressed her sincere appreciation to Waldo City Manager Kim Worley for her cooperation during the last 30 days and wants residents to know that there will be no break in law enforcement coverage.
The officers that blew the whistle on the corruption in the small town said it was worth losing their job because it was the right thing to do.
“What we (meaning the other four officers) did was in the fabric of the oath we swore to as officers,” said Waldo Police Officer Brandon Roberts.
State Attorney Bill Cervone said shutting down the agency was the right thing to do in order to avoid further embarrassment to the town.
Corruption in the City of Waldo exposed (full story)