Longwood residents, commissioners show support for police chief under investigation

LONGWOOD, Fla. — More than 100 people packed a Longwood City Commission meeting Monday evening. They were there support the city's police chief, who is under investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, despite the fact that no one seems to know why he is under investigation.

Longwood Police Chief Troy Hickson wouldn't answer WFTV reporter Kenneth Craig's questions about why Hickson is under investigation by FDLE.

"Did you do anything criminal?" Craig asked Hickson.

"No, I did not," said Hickson.

"What did happen then?" Craig asked.

"I am not speaking with you at this time," said Hickson.

Earlier in the evening Hickson stood in the back of commission chambers and listened as police officers, community leaders and Longwood residents spoke in support of him.

"I have never known anyone to show such honesty and integrity," said resident Norita Maxwell. "I have complete confidence in our police chief, Troy Hickson."

FDLE has launched an "executive investigation" into Hickson. But the agency won't say why he is being investigated. They would only say that these kind of investigations are done when a public official is suspected of criminal activity.

Although residents and city leaders don't know the details of the investigation, they stood by the chief.

The commissioners even took a vote of confidence in Hickson.

"How could you be so confident to take a vote of confidence when you don't know the facts and circumstances of an investigation?" Craig asked Longwood Mayor Brian Sackett.

"My interactions with this chief over the last few years have been all of integrity in him as a person," said Sackett.

Hickson did address commissioners Monday evening.

"I'll continue to serve you with upmost dignity, respect, and character," Hickson said.

WFTV