Smith named new police chief in Orlando after retirement of Rolón
Deputy Chief Eric Smith was named Orlando’s new police chief Monday after current Chief Orlando Rolón announced his November retirement last week.
Smith said it was an “honor” to be selected during a formal ceremony at OPD headquarters where Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer announced his appointment.
“I’ll continue to remain committed to our neighborhoods and work closely with the community,” he said. “... I’d be remiss if I don’t thank the men and women of OPD for their hard work and dedication that’s given me this opportunity. Thank you.”
Smith, a 27-year-veteran of the agency, is currently in charge of more than 500 sworn officers as the head of OPD’s Patrol Services Bureau. He will be the agency’s 40th chief.
“As mayor, it’s been my priority for our departments to develop strong succession plans to identify and train our future leaders, and Chief Smith is an example of that,” Dyer said.
Dyer said Smith has worked in nearly every area of the department, including as OPD’s highrisk incident commander leading SWAT crisis negotiations, emergency response services and the crisis intervention team.
Smith first moved to Orlando 33 years ago to play football at the University of Central Florida
before deciding to become an officer, the mayor said.
“I’m confident that under Chief Smith’s strong, capable leadership, OPD will continue to work diligently in protecting the community against crime and ensuring that every person feels equally valued and equally protected.”
Rolón, the city’s first Hispanic police chief, took office in October 2018. In a letter to Dyer, Rolón said he intends to stop working Aug. 19 and will officially retire Nov. 1 after a 30-year career with the agency.
He will be working with Smith during the next three months as they transition roles.
“I’m confident that under Chief Smith’s strong, capable leadership, OPD will continue to work diligently in protecting the community against crime and ensuring that every person feels equally valued and equally protected.”
— Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer
“I have had the privilege to serve with the most remarkable men and women in law enforcement dedicated to selfless service without thought of recognition or gain,” Rolón wrote in his letter.
Rolón said his four-year tenure as chief was marked by “unprecedented” challenges, including during the summer of 2020, when downtown Orlando became the center of massive protests following the killing of George Floyd while in the custody of Minneapolis police.
Officers arrested more than 100 people — most for misdemeanors or ordinance violations — over the initial six days of demonstrations. Rolón also repeatedly defended his agency’s tactics, including the use of tear gas to disperse crowds, which he said was done after officers used non-irritant smoke as a warning and some protesters pelted officers with debris.
On Monday, Rolón said he was honored to have worked with OPD officers.
“The scrutiny you have endured has been unprecedented, but your commitment to serve with courage, pride and commitment has been unwavering,” he said. “My family thank you for your unconditional support.”
Rolón said Smith is “absolutely prepared to take hold and run this department moving forward.”
The mayor also thanked the former chief for his service and “strong leadership” over the past four years.
“It’s been an honor to serve our residents alongside you,” Dyer said.