- February 20, 2025
It was a long day, not only for the final five applicants for Ormond Beach police chief, but also for the community members and city employees who took part in a day of interviews and exercises that narrowed the field from five to three March 28.
“It was very involved,” said Claire Whitley, Human Resources director.
The selection process is more intense than most other department heads, she explained, because of the nature of the position.
“The police chief is an integral part of the community and in the public eye,” she said.
The day’s events included the applicants being interviewed by a panel of citizens and then a panel of law enforcement officials.
For a practical exercise, the applicants took part in a pretend town hall meeting. They were given the scenario of a shopping plaza with problems including car breaks, arson and feral cats, and had five minutes to come up with solutions. They presented their proposals to the “town hall” and were questioned about their solutions by the 20 people present.
“I was extremely impressed.”
Ann-Margret Emery, on the final candidates
At day’s end, a Primary Panel, made up of a city employee, two law enforcement officers and three local citizens, all from Ormond Beach, narrowed the field from five to three.
Previously, decisions had been discussed by Human Resources and the city manager’s office. Whitley said it’s important to not have the same people making the decision throughout the process.
Police chief is a position appointed by the city manager, currently Joyce Shanahan.
The city utilized the Florida Police Chiefs STARS program to conduct the national search, which resulted in 90 applicants, and winnow down the field. STARs stands for Selection, Training, Assessment, Recruitment and Support.
The three finalists attended a public reception at the Casements that night to meet and greet City Commission members, city staff and members of the public.
“We can see how they interact,” Whitley said. “We want the commissioners to be part of the process.”
Ann-Margret Emery, assistant city attorney, who was on the Primary Panel, said all of the candidates were highly qualified.
“I was extremely impressed,” she said.
Another Primary Panelmember, Doug Thomas, local businessman and advisory board chairman, said Shanahan did an outstanding job in managing the selection process and any of the final candidates would be a good choice.
“Regardless of who Joyce selects, Ormond Beach and Ormond Beach youth will be the winner,” he said.
A longtime volunteer in youth sports, Thomas said he was “thrilled” with the final applicants because they all have experience in Police Athletic Leagues, coaching, etc.
One of more important factors in the search for local police chief is an understanding of community policing, Whitley said. A priority for the city is to have someone very involved in the community and developing relationships.
The two top-five finalist not selected for the final three were Thomas Barry, deputy chief, Titusville Police Dept, and Brett Railey, police chief, Winter Park Police Dept.
