Cop axed after singing on duty with death metal band
SANFORD, Fla. -- A Florida police officer has been fired after singing a song titled "Let the Killing Begin" with a death metal band - while on duty and in uniform.
CBS Orlando affiliate WKMG-TV reports that Sanford Police Officer Andrew Ricks had previously notified the city he would leave his job Friday.
But Police Chief Cecil B. Smith relieved him of his duties Wednesday. Smith says police received video showing Ricks on duty and in uniform while singing "Let the Killing Begin" - a song referencing the crucifixion of Christ - with Vital Remains at a Sanford venue Nov. 13.
In a statement Thursday, Smith said the incident "erodes the thin fibers of trust" between police and the community.
Ricks joined the department in 2010. He told WKMG-TV that he was changing careers to allow him to spend more time with his son.