Former Shaker Heights Police Chief D. Scott Lee Passes Away

SHAKER HEIGHTS, OH - D. Scott Lee, who served the Shaker Heights Police department for almost three decades, passed away on Dec. 28. He was 57 and battling cancer.

Lee joined the department in 1986 after working in Cleveland Heights, Warrensville Heights, and East Cleveland. He was also a United States Marine. He obtained a business degree from Kent State University, management and leadership training from the FBI National Academy, Southern Police Institute (SPI), Law Enforcement Foundation’s Certified Law Enforcement Executive Program (CLEE) and Police Executive Leadership College (PELC).

He quickly gained recognition internally and externally as a professional, innovative and competent leader. He climbed through the police ranks rapidly. During his rise through the Shaker Heights Police Department, Lee served as the President of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #23, SWAT Team Commander, Strike Force Unit Supervisor, Investigative Bureau Commander, Asset Forfeiture Coordinator, Northern Ohio Law Enforcement Task Force and FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force liaison coordinator, the department’s Training and Internal Affairs Officer; and, as a member of the Ohio High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Budget and Initiatives Subcommittee.

Lee was appointed Chief of Police in June 2008 by Mayor Earl Leiken. He pulled double duty, serving as the city's Assistant Safety Director starting in 2009.

"Chief Lee was a wonderful, compassionate man," said Commander John Cole of the Shaker Heights Police. "I don't have enough good adjectives to describe him."

Lee piloted the department through difficult economic times, including the 2008 recession. The department credits Lee with building stronger relationships with neighboring police departments, pushing the Eastside Department’s Group Enforcement (EDGE) SWAT team into reality, and getting a multi-jurisdictional Dispatch Center for the region.

In a statement, the Shaker Heights Police said, "Chief Lee was much more than a Chief of Police, he was a genuine leader, mentor, friend and committed father who inspired all to place service over self."

A wake will be held for Chief Lee at St. Dominic's Church, 3450 Norwood Road. The wake will be held January 2nd from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Dominic's Church on January 3rd, at 11 am. All flowers should be sent directly to St. Dominic's Church.

Photo from Shaker Heights Police