LAKE HELEN, Fla. – The Lake Helen City Commission voted Monday night to keep its police department following a couple of hours of emotional testimony from officers and residents.

The special meeting was called to decide whether to dissolve the city’s police department and contract services through the Volusia Sheriff’s Office, a move city leaders said could save more than $370,000 annually.

The standing-room-only crowd filled the room with many residents and officers making impassioned pleas to preserve the department.

“I’ve always worked for small cities. Small cities want the service that this police department gives,” one officer told the commission. “There is nothing the sheriff’s office can do to match that.”

Several officers spoke about their dedication to the community and conc

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