TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The community reaction was mixed with emotions, from shocked to relief after Tallahassee Police Chief Michael DeLeo handed in his resignation on Wednesday.
A lot of people wish Chief Deleo the best of luck with his future endeavors and thank him for his years of service while others say this is a long time coming.
Above all else, the common theme that we gathered while talking with people is with the recent crime in the Capital City, it's a chance for the city to get new ideas to reduce violence.
"I was like what? why? when? That's, you know I was shocked to hear that the chief resigned so definitely it came as a surprised to all of us," said Talethia Edwards, President of the Greater Bond Community Association. "I know we have a lot of challenges in the city right now with our crime and our gun violence, but it was definitely a shock to hear that he resigned."
"I just hope the community and the city can work together and partner together under the new chief that can bring new ideas and combat the gun violence," said Richard Murphey, President of the Big Bend Chapter of the Florida Police Benevolent Association.
Both Edwards and Murphey say they thank Deleo for his service to the city.
We also spoke to other people, who were excited about Chief Deleo's resignation.
Leon County Commissioner Bill Proctor says he's been waiting for this day to come.
"It's a new day, everyone is dancing and everyone is happy and I think that the Tallahassee Police Association, its officers and if people would just tell the truth and shame the devil they're all jumping for joy," said Proctor.
Proctor says he hopes that the city finds a new chief immediately to bring in fresh ideas to curb the amount of violence the city has had.
