Complacency and arrogance. Let's be honest here, he resigned before they could fire him. Embarrassing to say the least.

Arrogance, is what cost him his job. He thought he could do anything he wanted. No telling the things he has gotten away with. That why he is so ready to leave so they don't take it any further. Arrogance, is why cops get shot and why people have no respect for them. They get a BADGE and automaticly think they are above the ones they serve. GOOD RIDDIANCE JEFF...

Personally, I think there a lot of other questions that people should be worried about. Does anyone know exactly WHO placed the call to 911 to report the victim missing? And what TIME exactly was that call placed? It seems to me, the little girl was already dead and disposed of by the time Canton received the call. WHO was supposed to be watching her? WHERE is this "babysitter" that at one point someone said was responsible for her at the time of this incident?

I believe the WRONG person is being criticized and punished here! He did his JOB! There is nothing he could have done to prevent this from happening ! She was disposed of before the police was even called! Jeff Lance along with all the other officers and people involved did a great job! It makes me so angry with all the criticism he is getting ! NO WAY should he have been made to resign!!! Who was watching this 7 yr old little girl ? Who let's a 7 year old run around unsupervised ? Where is their criticism?

The babysitter was at the GA Football game with Jeff...did his JOB ???? he didn't even show up on the scene for 17 hours after the fact... the GBI was already there...

Absolutely NOT!!! I think he did an outstanding job with a horrific situation that, thank God, our city is not accustomed to handling. Cases like this go unsolved for years and this little girl was found within days as well as the killer. Job well done! I am sickened by the false information the media has reported. We are all angry that this happened in our small town so it's only human nature to want to point fingers and blame someone. Jeff Lance is an easy target. The sad truth is, Jorelys was already gone before she was ever reported missing. I don't think anyone else should suffer! By allowing our Chief of Police to resign, we are allowing Ryan Brunn to harm yet another family. Shouldn't we come together as a community and be supportive in times like this?! Jeff Lance has done a fantastic job in this city for many years. He is a human being, he has a wife and kids, he's very involved in this community even outside of the police department. Because a sick young man (Ryan Brunn) committed this unspeakable crime, we also want to crucify Jeff Lance? It makes no sense! He is being torn apart by this crime. Haven't enough people been victimized by this? Enough already!

He showed up at 10am saturday morning ! And no the GBI was not there !

KELLY WELL PUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THAT IS ALL THAT NEEDS TO BE SAID!!!

Jeff is a great guy and he is not arrongant! He was ousted thanks to politics! What a crock? How about all the good things he has done in the last 20 years? I hope everyone knows not to believe everything you read!!!!!!!!!

I personally don't know Jeff, I personally don't respect alot of officers in Cherokee County because today seems to have turned into how much money can be made for the police departments by harrassing individuals over miniscule issues. However, I think most people are passing judgment because of the outcome of this case. Were there mistakes made? You bet. Did these mistakes affect the outcome of this case? Absolutely not. We have a convicted, dead murderer that told the courts directly that little Jorelys was dead before sundown. The 911 call hadn't even been placed to the local officials. I have a girl the same age and I never, EVER, let her out of my sight, PERIOD, even in my own yard. We no longer live in a time that we can trust our neighbors. Crap you can't even trust family sometimes. I believe the resignation of Jeff should not have happened. My prayers go out to his family. Also remember Matthew 7:1,2 1 "Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you." We should all remember who the criminal was and stop causing harm to the innocent.

I have nothing but the highest level of respect for Jeff Lance. I know the city of Canton is better for having a chief like him! He took the brunt of many attacks on the agency on his shoulders, seldom receiving credit for a job well done! It don't help either to have the Sheriff going on TV & the press bad mouthing another high ranking official, wonder how Roger would handle his command staff doing him that way?? I think Jeff did nothing at all wrong. The public that thinks they can do better, prove it! step up walk just one day in his shoes and lets how well you handle the job! I do have a question for the press, just where were you all when this agency under the leadership of Chief Jeff Lance was being honored with awards for being an excellent agency?? Where are your reports on this?? The media failed to report this or even post photo's which were released to them, I know I did the write up and the release! You (the media) can't post and circulate the good but when there is anything bad to say your like rats, your all over the place!! The city of Canton does NOT deserve an outstanding like Chief Jeff Lance is & was, he is better than this & how this city has treated him in the wake of the biggest media event the city has seen

I CANNOT believe the way Jeff Lance has been treated especially after 20 years of service to this community! I CANNOT believe that his fellow "Superior" officers DID NOT do more to help diffuse this whole situation. There are a few that did NOTHING but pour gasoline onto this fire storm. THIS IS CALLED POLITICS IN A SMALL TOWN where everybody knows everybody. BRIAN BRUNN not only killed that precious little girl, then himself (good riddance) but has now taken a 2nd victim Chief Jeff Lance. Hopefully there will be a 3rd victim at election time. YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE and by the way ... how do you feel. VOTE PEOPLE!! AND BY THE WAY ... EXACTLY ... WHO WAS WATCHING THIS LITTLE GIRL???? Why are they not on trial also ??

Jeff Lance is unemployed because he didn't do his job. If he had done what he was paid to do, he would not have put himself in a position that his resignation would have been required/requested or even considered. So it is agreed that he did a lot of good for the City of Canton during his tenure, but when it really mattered he FAILED. So now he is out of a job. I did not write, nor did I request his resignation He did that on his on, because he knew he Failed It was unfortunate but all the facts are here on Patch Cast like it or not. Read the report.

So if anyone makes an error in judgement or does something wrong on their job they should resign? Do doctors quit practicing when they make an error or get something wrong? Shouldn't it be a learning experience for the department? So 20 years of doing a good job means nothing?

I think Chief Lance has been made a scapegoat. When 911 happened, the mayor of NY was at ground zero, directing the rescue effort. Where was our illustrious Mayor when our local tragedy occurred? Has this question even been raised?

Wow I can't even believe the things most of you are saying! Jeff Lance my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I'm embarrassed the way our community is handling this situation.

Looks like the mayor and the sheriff should both resign.
The mayor for lack of concern and leadership.
The sheriff for his departments miscues.
I would like the Patch to complete the backstory about the little girl and her family situation. Lots of unanswered questions.

When Hobgood first became mayor, he blatantly stated he wanted to replace Chief Lance with someone beholden to him He also wanted to replace the then city attorney (Billy Hasty) and the now city manager, for the same reasons. He waited over four years for his opportunity to "can" the police chief, and very hastily"ordered an investigation when he saw his long awaited chance. I privately wonder what instructions he gave to the investigator. Where was our "honorable" mayor when the tragedy occurred. I believe the "report" contains many untruths.

Jeff Lance is a wonderful person and served his community for 20 years. I think that speaks for itself. I can't believe the way Jeff has been treated. I agree with everything Sharon & Dale have said. I do not think I could have said it any better. Also, Roger Thornberg, well said! My thoughts and prayers go out to Jeff and his sweet family. He does not deserve this. Shame on Canton politics!!

The Chief Is a Rock Star in our City. Everyone loves and respects him. He has done a great job protecting our community. He not only protects our kids, but takes the time to coach our kids in various sports . I really hope all of his supporters come together at election time. If the citizens of Canton had a vote, Chief would be back in office tomorrow. James from the top of the page, Your a Stupid jackwagon.

First let me begin by saying I have lived and worked in this county for over 40 years. I have known and currently know many Law Enforcement Officers and consider some of them good friends. Taking this in consideration, all of you so called "concerned citizens" should stop and think before you go around bashing all Police Officers like they all had something to do with this. When Burger King messes up your order do you go around bashing all Burger King employees because of one person?? I know Jeff Lance, I know hes a good guy who does not deserve this. I also know Roger Garrison, both men are good people but when politics get in the way feelings get hurt and when feelings get hurt the man with most political backing usually wins. I am ashamed of Gene Hobgood and Scott Woods for the way they spinelessly handled the pressure from the media. Scott Woods mentioned he "intuitively" thought the Police Department may have a morale issue? Really??

How many people remember that Gene Hobgood and Roger Garrison go back several years when Hobgood use to be the only County Commissioner? Politics! Bad Politics!! Do your homework people before you pass judgment and make comments, I have done mine and I am certain that I will not be supporting Garrison for Sheriff any longer. Roger Garrison made himself look like a fool, his Deputy that made that mistake was drug through the press like a rag doll for no reason. That should have be dealt with internally, not in front of the public! What good came from that? He still got punished, did Garrison have to tarnish his name also?? This so called report from the LaGrange Chief was for one reason and one reason only, it pointed a finger at Jeff Lance and gave the Mayor and City Manager a way to get the media off their back. Scott Woods stated it mentioned some positive things? Where? Not in the report I read. Some of the friends I have in Law Enforcement who were there were not even mentioned nor interviewed by Dekmar?? He lists all the persons on the scene he met with, for someone who was making $150.00 and hour why didn't he take the time and interview EVERYONE? I know why, because those people didn't have anything to say to back up his so called "miss direction" of supervision.

Anyone ever thought that the seventeen hour delay of the Chief had a reason? Anyone ever thought that he was on vacation and left his vacation in order to return to his duty!? Oh, but the way a good many of you portray it he should have just stayed on vacation and not attended the investigation. When you are on vacation do you cutt it short for work? Also, has anyone stopped and thought that someone might have mentioned the game to the Chief and he may have simply stated his opinion and someone over heard his response and blew it totally out of proportion? Do many of you know the RESPECTIVE ADMINISTRATORS IN CANTON? Politicians are everywhere and they will make up anything. Sounds to me like someone really wanted to get the Chief out of office for them to waste the money on paying an investigator $150 per hour in order to investigate a solved case!

I think Jay has done his homework ;)

Should have Chief Lance resigned absolutely not. Could see it coming though. My question is how can the City of Canton put Todd VandeZande as the interim Chief. He wasn't at the scene either. Why don't they make him resign or investigate him. As far as I know when the number 1 man can't make it because he is out of town, the number 2 man needs to be there. So exactly why didn't he show up and where is the investigation into how he handled it or a lack there of. Sounds to me the mayor and the city manager had it out for Lance and are coddling Vande Zande.

For all of you concerned citizens...put your body where your mouth is & show up at the Canton City Council Meeting & State of the City Address. It's Thursday, January 26th from 6pm - 8pm at 151 Elizabeth Street. I plan on attending. It should be interesting to say the least.

Jeff Lance is a kind and caring man! He does not deserve this!

JEFF LANCE IS NOT ARROGANT, HE ALWAYS HAS THAT LOOK ON HIS FACE. IF THE PUBLIC IN GENERAL KNEW WHAT ALL GOES ON WHEN THE POLICE, FIRE AND PARAMEDICS ARE ON THE SCENE, THEY WOULD BE SHOCKED. KEEP IN MIND THESE PEOPLE SEE THINGS THAT ARE UNIMAGINABLE TO MOST OF US.POLITICS PLAYED A HUGE PART IN THIS INVESTIGATION. LANCE IS NOT KNOWN TO BE FAKE OR USE HIS GOOD DEEDS IN THE COMMUNITY FOR "ATTA BOYS" TO BE PUBLISHED IN OUR LOCAL NEWS ARTICLES. UNLIKE SOME OF THE OTHER HIGHER OFFICALS, LANCE DID NOT LET HIS POSITION GO TO HIS HEAD OR ACT AS THOUGH HE WAS BETTER THAN OTHERS. I FEEL AS THOUGH THE CITY OF CANTON MAYOR AND OTHER OFFICIALS WANTED HIM OUT FOR AWHILE, AND THIS WAS THEIR WAY OF GETTING WHAT THEY WANTED. WITH THAT BEING SAID, I WISH ONLY THE BEST FOR THE LANCE FAMILY, AND AS WE ALL KNOW, WHEN A DOOR CLOSES, USUALLY A BETTER ONE OPENS!!!

I believe that we as a community need to support our public servants. They protect us and make our community a better place. I know that I would not be able to handle the stress and sacrifice that our law enforcement officers and their families deal with day in and day out. I am so very thankful for 20 years of service from Jeff Lance. He is a good man that chose to protect our community for many years. I am dissapointed that he is under attack. WE SHOULD BE ATTACKING THE CHILD MOLESTORS,MURDERERS, DRUG DEALERS, and HARDENED CRIMINALS IN OUR CITIES AND COUNTY. It is my opinion, that we need to worry more about retaining dedicated police officers, firefighters, teachers, and other public servants. Every time we allow the very people who protect us to come under needless attack, we are in fact hurting ourselves and our families. I hope that our community, the media, and our leaders will start focusing their time and energy on the real problems.

After reading & rereading the report, I have come to a rational conclusion - the errors made by former Chief Lance occurred before this tragedy, during notification and only came to a conclusion and arrest AFTER people other than former Chief Lance made key decisions. Those decisions should have, by protocol, been made by the former Chief.

Canton is no longer "Mayberry". I'm sure he'll land on his feet somewhere else. Let's hope the new permanent Chief can bring a renewed professionalism, high morale and community involvement that will move the Canton Police Dept into a modern & highly effective police agency.

Ok, so Jeff was out of town on vacation when he was notified late Friday night. Note that he would not have been notified as soon as the call came out. He then canceled his vacation and came to work 17 hours after the initial call, not 17 hours after being notified and there is a problem there? Also, so what if he commented about a football game. And, where was number two. Maybe he was helping the city manager and the mayor pack up Jeff's office. My hats off to all who helped with the search. Great job. I was truly proud of my city for making such short work of this case. It's sad that we had to conduct what has come to resemble the Salem witch trials in Canton and Monday morning quarterback those who faced a very dificult situation.

Chief Lance is a good man. In my opinion, the report by Chief Dekmar was done to support a decision that had already been made. Once that report was released, and it was released rather quickly wasn't it, The Chief saw the handwriting on the wall and tendered his resignation. Let me also point out that Chief Dekmar, in my opinion, is very politically savvy and again, in my opinion, spends as much time schmoozing with the legislature as he does tending his own store. All this presumes that he is still the Chief at Lagrange. He is/was very well-liked in Lagrange but I wonder how far that feeling would go if one or more of his subordinates dropped the ball?

Chief Lance will land on his feet.

--i disagree with the Poll questions.

--it should have been a straight "yes" , "no", or "i haven't made up my mind".

--there was no need for the writer to add his own 'qualifiers' to the Poll questionaire.

--regardless-------i vote YES----he's the Chief, his men/women had ZERO command-----b/c HE was not there, doing HIS job.

The city of Canton would best served firing Jeff Hall & his girlfriend Candy too. Those two are the downfall of Canton police department. Thank you for allowing me to post. I certainly hope the city of Canton does the right thing and bring back Chief Lance, even if they have to swallow their pride, if they don't then the public knows the current council members & mayor really need to be removed at the next election.

This man did NOT deserve to lose his job. How many of you, in your own jobs, could be put under a microscope and still be employed tomorrow. Roger Garrison is a politician and in bed with our lively mayor!! Election time brings out the worst in these career politicians!!