Orlando Mayor Dyer officially swore in the city’s new police chief, Eric D. Smith, on Wednesday, August 24 at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
Chief Smith is Orlando’s 40th chief and will oversee the day-to-day operations of the department and as chief counsel to the mayor for matters of public safety. Chief Smith comes to the gig after serving as the Deputy Chief of Police for the Patrol Services Bureau at OPD, where he has worked in almost every department, including K-9 handler, commander of the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation, SWAT, and served as High-Risk Incident Commander for more than seven years.
“I am confident that under Chief Smith’s dedicated leadership, the Orlando Police Department will continue to work diligently in protecting our community against crime while ensuring that every resident is equally protected and respected,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. “He is committed to building relationships and serving our community and I am committed to supporting him and our entire police department in this work to serve and protect our great city.”
Mayor Dyer also recognized Retired Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolón for his 30-year law enforcement career and nearly four years serving as the 39th Orlando Police Chief.
