The New Smyrna Beach Police Department will be headed up by Chris Kirk for the foreseeable future, the city government decided this week. Kirk, who was already on the job as the interim police chief.
"I'm truly humbled to be our first home-grown chief of police in at least the quarter century," Kirk said. "I wouldn't be here without significant support from the community and from all of the men and women of our department. I look forward to continuing our people-first approach to service."
The job of New Smyrna Beach Police Chief opened in December after Eric Feldman resigned to join a private security firm. Kirk, who'd already been in the NSBPD for 21 years to that point, was appointed the interim title as the city began a formal search for Feldman's successor.
As it so happened, City Manager Kevin Cowper was pleased enough with Kirk's interim performance to give him the job permanently, forgoing any external candidates. He highlighted Kirk's leadership during tumultuous community events as one reason to trust him moving forward.
"This is really the result of a nationwide search that we've undertaken," Cowper said to the New Smyrna Beach City Commission on Tuesday. "We got many, many great applicants. Chris, as you know, has served as interim chief for the last couple months and has done an outstanding job. We've successfully navigated through Spring Break, Bike Week, and many other community events. He has strong support from the police department, from the sworn officers, from the civilian employees there. Strong support from the police union, from the police foundation, and many, many other members of the community."
Prior to being promoted to chief, Kirk has been the NSBPD's training coordinator, public information officer, and SWAT commander among other roles. He was bestowed the NSBPD's Award for Academic Excellence during his time attending the Police Executive Leadership Graduate Program at the Southern Police Institute's Administrative Officers Course at the University of Louisville; Kirk also graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree.
