Powell returns to West District command
Newly self-reappointed Capt. Matt Powell is back on the Fort Myers Beach police beat to lead the West District Command post once again.
Powell, who was promoted to major and patrol bureau commander in November 2009, chose an uncharacteristic self-demotion to captain after taking charge of all six districts as major for the Lee County Sheriff’s Office for the past seven months. His official return to the ‘Charlie” District was effective Monday, July 19.
“It just wasn’t a good fit for my family life,” said Powell. “I was glad I took the opportunity (into the executive command position), but there was too much stress on my family. My priorities are a little different right now since I have young children.”
Powell, who was Lieutenant then Captain of the West District before his promotion to major, said he and Sheriff Mike Scott spoke about the expected change when he accepted the promotion and new job. He became district commander when Scott took office five years ago.
“Ya, you can call it a self-demotion,” said Powell. “(Sheriff Scott) said that he didn’t know of anybody ever doing this before, and I don’t either. He was very gracious about it.”
Back in January when he received a Certificate of Appreciation and the Key to the Town of Fort Myers Beach at a special ceremony at the Lee County Sheriff’s Office at 15680 Pine Ridge Rd., Powell acted as if he would miss the interactions on the Beach.
“I’ve enjoyed the time when I was privileged to serve you on the Beach, and I loved directing traffic at the Beach light,” he said at the time.
Powell appears to be re-adjusting to his old position. The West District commander now has only one district to take care of after handling six.
“I’m back to what I love to do,” he said. “I’m tickled to be back.”
Capt. Matt LeClair, who was promoted to captain and became West District Commander when Powell took over patrol bureau command duties, will keep his captain title and be in charge of the narcotics division in what is called a lateral move.
“I made sure it was a good fit for everybody involved,” said Powell. “Matt (moved laterally) over to narcotics where he has a tremendous background. We both served in narcotics together for about eight years.”
Scott said he supports Powell’s requested career path and welcomed his “triumphant return” to the West District.
“My confidence with him is high or higher than with anyone else in the entire sheriff’s office,” said Scott. “The only thing more important to him than his dedication to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office is the dedication to his family, and certainly we can’t blame him for that.”
Scott, who pointed out his youngest child is 19 years old, said he understands no one should compromise family for a job.
“If my kids were his childrens’ ages, I couldn’t do what I’m doing,” said Scott. “I applaud what he did. It was an easy transition in terms of him going back.”
Bob Johnson, who was a captain and head of the narcotics division, was promoted to major and patrol bureau commander to replace Powell.
“We didn’t make any monetary changes or extra promotions,” said Scott. “It was just all transfers.”