“However, the allegations that Mr. Peterson was a coward and that his performance, under the circumstances, failed to meet the standards of police officers are patently untrue.”It is unclear why Mr. Peterson nevertheless chose to retire on Thursday after Sheriff Israel placed him under internal investigation. Mr. Peterson told the first police officer to arrive, from the Coral Springs Police Department, that he believed the gunman to be outside, Mr. DiRuzzo said. Mr. DiRuzzo said Mr. Peterson plans to cooperate with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, which has been directed by Gov. Mr. Peterson believes the investigation will “clear his name” after being “maligned” by the sheriff. Before his effective resignation on Thursday, Mr. Peterson was often celebrated at the sheriff’s office as a well-performing school resource officer.

Source: New York Times February 26, 2018 21:41 UTC