Sanford cop off the job after singing on stage at metal show

SANFORD, Fla. — A Sanford police officer was relieved of duty after he was caught on video singing, while in uniform, on stage at a death metal band’s concert.

Police said Officer Andrew Ricks attended the Vital Remains show at West End Trading Company while in uniform on Nov. 13.

Reports said Ricks joined the band on stage and sang a song called “Dechristianize,” which included the lyrics “Let the killing begin.”

Raw: Sanford cop sings at death metal show

The incident was caught on camera, and a copy was sent to Police Chief Cecil Smith.

The video was also posted to YouTube.

Ricks’ authority to perform his law enforcement duties was removed.

Smith said in a report that, “An incident of this nature erodes the thin fibers of trust which already exist between the community and the police, and it will not be tolerated within the Sanford Police Department."

Reports noted that Ricks had submitted a letter of resignation from the department on Oct. 30, with a pending separation date of Nov. 20.

The department was made aware of the incident on Nov. 17.

“He (the chief) wanted to make sure the citizens didn’t have an issue with what was being said,” said Sanford police spokesperson Ronny Neal.

Ricks has worked for the department for six years. The incident marks the first time he’s ever been in trouble.

He told Channel 9 he didn’t want to talk about what happened.

WFTV