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City of Fort Myers announces finalists for Chief of Police

Fort Myers Police Department
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FORT MYERS, Fla. — The City of Fort Myers has selected the five finalists for its Chief of Police position.

  • Richard Bash: 33 years of law enforcement experience and former Deputy Police Chief at the City of Columbus (OH) Police Department
  • Larry Boone: 33 years of law enforcement experience and former Police Chief at the Norfolk (VA) Police Department
  • Gina Hawkins: 35 years of law enforcement experience and former Police Chief at the City of Fayetteville (NC) Police Department
  • Jason Fields: 23 years of law enforcement experience and current Police Captain/Acting Police Major at the City of Fort Myers Police Department
  • Victor Medico: 23 years of experience and currently Police Captain at the City of Fort Myers Police Department

The announcement comes three months after former Chief Derrick Diggs passed away.

Diggs was battling cancer and had taken a leave of absence in July of 2022.

Randall Pepitone has been serving as Interim Chief of Police since then but did not apply for the opening.

FMPD began the search for a new chief back in March. The application was posted online and accepted candidates nationwide.

Those 5 candidates will be in town on June 1st for in-person interviews along with two public forums will take place to introduce the candidates to Fort Myers residents.

When: June 1, 2023
Time:  4 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. & 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Location: Collaboratory, 2031 Jackson Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901

This event is open to the public and all residents are encouraged to connect with the candidates in person. Each finalist will have the opportunity to introduce themselves, as well as answer several questions. Each forum will be concluded with a brief meet & greet with the candidates.