It is with deep sadness that the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office announces the death of retired Chief Deputy Bill Lee. Lee died early Friday morning, March 16, 2012, at the age of 60 following a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. 

Lee served with great honor and distinction for 11 years as the Sheriff’s Office’s Chief Deputy, joining Sheriff Ben Johnson’s administration on the first day of Sheriff Johnson’s tenure in office on January 2, 2001. Lee retired from the Sheriff’s Office on December 23, 2011. Prior to his service with the Sheriff’s Office, Lee worked for the Clewiston Police Department, the North Miami Police Department, the Rock Springs, WY Police Department and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. He left an indelible mark everywhere he worked and was known to all as a man of great honesty, integrity, wisdom and compassion. The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office is a better agency because of his service and leadership. 

Statement from Sheriff Johnson on Bill Lee’s passing
“We are profoundly saddened and heartbroken over Bill’s passing,” said Sheriff Ben Johnson of his longtime Chief Deputy who retired in December after 11 years with the Sheriff’s Office and nearly 38 years overall in the law enforcement profession. “He was loved and respected by all who knew him, and I was proud and honored to call Bill my friend. He will be deeply missed by the entire community, and our thoughts and prayers are with Bill’s family as they grieve for their loss.”