Shaker Heights Police Department Lobby Dedicated To Former Chief

SHAKER HEIGHTS, OH — The Shaker Heights Police Department lobby was dedicated to former Chief of Police D. Scott Lee recently. A plaque, with Lee's likeness, was placed in the room. Lee passed away in 2016 after a battle with brain cancer. He was 57.

Lee was Chief of Police from 2008 through 2016. He spent 33 years in law enforcement. The Ribbon Run 5K held in the city over Memorial Day weekend was run in honor of Lee. Below are excerpts from Lee's obituary.

Lee joined the Shaker Heights Police 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).

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.

"Scott was as close to the perfect model of a police officer and a leader in the police force as you’re ever going to find," Mayor Earl Leiken said during the ceremony. "It’s appropriate that this lobby in the police station be named the D. Scott Lee Lobby and that this plaque be placed here so that his career can serve as an inspiration to our Shaker police officers for generations to come."

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 at the time that, "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."

To read the full obituary, click here.

Photo from Shaker Heights Police