WINTER HAVEN – City Manager Dale Smith announced today that a conditional offer of employment has been made to Gary Hester to serve as the City’s next Police Chief. It is anticipated background checks will be completed and Hester will begin work with the City of Winter Haven August, 16, 2010. His salary will be $105,000 annually.
A career law enforcement officer, Hester, 49, lives in Haines City and is a 31-year veteran of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Hester is currently the Chief of Staff at PCSO, but has risen through the ranks of patrol deputy, canine handler, detective, sergeant, lieutenant, captain, major and colonel before he was appointed Chief of Staff in 2005. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology from St. Leo College and a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Alabama. He has attended the Southern Police Institute and the Senior Management Institute for Police.
“All final candidates were well qualified to serve as Winter Haven’s next Police Chief. Gary Hester’s experience was unmatched and will serve the City well as we move forward,” said Dale Smith, city manager.
“Gary’s style of management is exactly what is needed as the WHPD continues to move forward as a progressive agency and to improve cooperative relationships with members of the community and other local and state agencies.”
This will be a great addition to not only the Winter Haven Police Dept. but to Winter Haven as well
Dale, great choice. Gary is a world class gentleman in and out of uniform. With his experience both on the streets and behind the desk he will be able provide excellent leadership to this great department. Gary congratulations Winter Haven will be a better place.
Congrats Gary, The right man for the right job at the right time. Now the hard part begins though…..
I have known Gary for 10 years. He is a good guy and a real asset to the Haines City Rotary Club. Winter Haven made a great choice.
Gary Hester will bring a high level of professionalism and efficiency to the Winter Haven Police Dept. He’s the right man at the right time.
City Manager Dale Smith made an excellent choice in appointing Gary Hester as our next Chief of Police. Gary has excellent leadership abilities and will serve our community well. Best of luck Chief.
Gary Hester was our leader in Polk Leadership III class. He is a terrific person and a great choice for Chief of Winter Haven Police.
Just got back from vacation and went straight to the Chamber Blog to catch up on what has been happening in town while I was gone. A big congratulations goes out to Gary from a fellow graduate of Leadership Polk Class I. Way to go!!!
Gary, congratulations. Keep on keeping on fellow Leadership Polk Class I graduate.
I have known Mr. Gary Hester for many years. I am very proud and feel very safe knowing he is there for us.
God Bless