Former sheriff’s deputy named captain at Palmetto Police Department

Former Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Captain Lorenzo Waiters will continue his quest to protect and serve, this time for the Palmetto Police Department.

Waiters replaces Stephen Greer, the former police captain who resigned after facing termination for his involvement in a love triangle involving a male police officer and female subordinate. Greer was placed on administrative leave in April, and he resigned in July.

Details of the internal affairs investigation showed that Greer was not only engaging in inappropriate behavior while on duty but intentionally deleted potential evidence that was later recovered. Palmetto Police Chief Scott Tyler called Greer’s actions a personal “betrayal,” but the department puts behind the sordid episode with the hiring of Waiters, a 38-year law enforcement veteran.

Waiters retired in 2015 and unsuccessfully pursued the Palmetto chief’s position when Sheriff Rick Wells left Palmetto to take the chief deputy position at the sheriff’s office.

Waiters has been on the job since last week, but Tyler held a ceremonial swearing-in for the city commission Monday night with his family present.

“I saw his application and in my mind had made up my mind right then and there, but wanted it to go to the review board that was put together,” Tyler said. “They interviewed a short list of six candidates and unanimously voted for Lorenzo as well.”

Waiters said his long work relationship with Tyler would prove to be beneficial.

“I very much look forward to coming to work with the chief because we’ve worked on many events together,” he said.

Waiters hit the ground running this past week renewing his relationship with the Palmetto community.

“I look forward to working with this community and take what I’ve learned over the years and apply it to the community,” he said.

Commissioner Jonathan Davis called the hiring a homecoming.

“Lorenzo is just coming back home to Palmetto,” Davis said.

This story was originally published October 17, 2017 at 1:02 PM with the headline "Former sheriff’s deputy named captain at Palmetto Police Department."