The Fort Pierce City Commission has given a unanimous nod to David Smith as the city's new police chief yesterday, December 8. Smith, formerly the commander of the Eastern District operation for the Prince William County Police Department in Virginia, becomes the selected candidate after a thorough search process conducted by the city. This approval marks the end of a nearly four-month search to fill the position, which saw an initial pool of 57 applicants get narrowed to just three before Smith's final selection. CBS12 reported the news following Smith's endorsement by the city's police union.
According to details provided by TCPalm, the Fort Pierce Police Department has been grappling with challenges, including officer dissatisfaction over pay and morale, that Smith is expected to decisively address. His leadership skills and extensive experience—bringing over 20 years in law enforcement—are highlighted as key elements in not only restoring confidence in the police force but also in the community. However, Smith's ascension did not pass without sustain of contention. Local candidates initially in the running were eliminated from consideration, inciting criticism from various quarters, including the police union and two city commissioners.
Nevertheless, City Manager Richard Chess defended his choice firmly, stating in a TCPalm interview, "When I put together a team, I look for the fit. All of the finalists, as well as the four that didn't move forward, were very qualified, but it's the fit as well." Smith's forthcoming approach during the selection process resonated with the commissioners. Arnold Gaines mentioned, "Going into my interview, Mr. Smith was not my first choice. After my interviews, he was my first choice." Such remarks underline the commission's overall satisfaction with Smith's potential to lead the department.
The selection procedure, albeit meticulous, was not free of controversy; dope endorsements from the union and public favor for Acting Deputy Chief Caleb Gillette, the commission and the union eventually rallied behind Smith. Commissioner Michael Broderick conceded that Smith's commitment to nurture and promote existing department talent won him over, confessing, "He says we are going to work with the team that we have locally," as mentioned on TCPalm. His sentiment amplified the accord Smith's selection had found among the city's decision-makers. The contract negotiations for Smith are set to be completed, aiming for a final seal of approval by the commission on December 15.
