Demoted deputy police chief kills self

Demoted deputy police chief kills self
HAMILTON, N.J., July 3 (UPI) -- A police officer has been assigned to guard the mayor of a New Jersey town after the suicide of the recently demoted deputy police chief.

Officials said no known threats have been made against Hamilton Mayor John Bencivengo, The Times of Trenton reported. The Bencivengo administration proposed the demotion of George Zimmer Jr. from deputy chief to captain as part of an effort to cut spending throughout the government.

Zimmer was found dead Tuesday morning. Investigators say he shot himself in his home.

Bencivengo said he is only being guarded during working hours.

Zimmer was a decorated police officer. His father retired as police chief in 1990 after 43 years with the Hamilton department.

The deputy chief was also known for coaching children's sports in the Hamilton. He is survived by his wife and two teenage children.
http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2008/07/03
/Demoted_deputy_police_chief_kills_self/UPI-62851215109108/