Fort Myers City Council unanimously votes to keep Diggs as Police Chief

The decision to extend Fort Myers Police Chief Diggs’ contract came quickly.

Fort Myers City Council very much wants to keep Diggs here and each council member was glad to hear that he wants to stay.

Johnny Streets is one of the city council members. “We would like to have you back,” said Streets during Monday evening’s meeting.

Clearly, the community wanted Diggs to stay as well.

“It is imperative to have a police chief that works tirelessly to build strong partnerships with our residents, businesses, community members, community leaders and our visitors. Chief Diggs and his staff have built bridges in the community, and he has increased engagement,” said one Fort Myers resident.

“He knows what he’s doing! Don’t mess up a good thing,” said another community member.

So far, it looks like Chief Diggs will be staying in Fort Myers. “If this council and this community wants me to remain as chief as police, I’m willing to stay here and perform those duties, sir,” Diggs said.

In April, WINK News learned that Chief Diggs was in the running to become the police chief in Columbus, Ohio. Then, less than two weeks ago, we found out that the journey was cut short after he was announced as one of four finalists.

At the Fort Myers City Council meeting Monday night, Chief Diggs on zoom listed some of the ways that the Fort Myers PD  and the city have improved in just the last few months.

“I know there is more work to be done and while these are challenging times, my commitment to improving the public safety in the city of Fort Myers is unwavering,” said Chief Diggs.

Fort Myers City Council is more than happy to hear that Chief Diggs’ work in this city will continue.

“Then we can start negotiating the contract,” said Streets.

Chief Diggs’ contract isn’t actually up until August. The City Manager and Diggs will begin those contract negotiations soon.

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