| Sarasota,
FL: City Manager Robert Bartolotta announced during a news
conference this morning he promoted Captain Mikel Hollaway
to Chief of Police. Hollaway
had been serving as Interim Chief since May 18, 2010. He is
the City’s first African-American Chief of Police.
The City received 144 applications from around
the country. “Many of the candidates have outstanding
credentials with experience, education and seasoning,”
said Mr. Bartolotta. “In the final analysis it is my
judgment that Chief Hollaway is the right person at this time
for the job.” Chief Hollaway is a team player who possesses
all the qualities the City Manager was looking for in a Police
Chief, including someone who embraces community oriented policing;
holds staff accountable; is firm but fair; instills respect
in the community; and is committed to implementing the City
Commission approved Police Advisory Panel recommendations.
During his 28 year tenure with the Sarasota
Police Department, Chief Hollaway has been a trailblazer,
becoming the department’s first African-American sergeant,
lieutenant, and captain. He has handled a wide range of responsibilities,
including training new officers, supervising the Internal
Affairs Division, overseeing the Patrol Division and as an
Administrative Captain he coordinated public information requests.
“Sarasota is my home,” said Chief Hollaway. “I
was raised here. I love it. I wouldn’t want to live
anywhere else. I ask that we stand together to continue to
make this a wonderful community. It’s more important
than ever to stick together,” he said.
A formal swearing in ceremony will be held
for Chief Hollaway within the next few weeks.
The news conference announcing Chief Hollaway’s
promotion can be viewed in its entirety at www.sarasotagov.com.
To learn more about Chief Hollaway and his policing philosophy
watch ‘City
Focus’ when he was a recent featured guest.
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