I have always believed in being a man of my word. That was clear from the very start of my career. When I joined the Delray Beach Police Department in 2007, I told then-Chief Larry Schroeder during my interview that my goal was to one day become Chief of Police.
From that moment on, I was intentional about every step I took – every assignment I accepted, every colleague I worked with or supervised, and every community member I interacted with.
Relationship building has always been at the center of my work, both inside the department and out in the community. Those partnerships became the foundation upon which I continue to build a strong, community-focused police department.
My sense of purpose began long before I started my law enforcement career. It was shaped early in my life by two strong, faith-filled women: my mother, Patricia White Williams, and my grandmother, Mae Anderson. They inspired me to serve with humility and dedication.
My mother worked in the tax collector’s office for 37 years, often holding two or three jobs to make ends meet. My grandmother worked as a domestic worker. I watched them work extremely hard and never complain. My grandmother cleaned houses and cooked; she didn’t make much, but she gave me unlimited love. They taught me that hard work and perseverance, regardless of the circumstances, are traits to be valued.
Although they are no longer here, their imprint on my heart remains. Everything I do is guided by the values they instilled in me: faith, service, resilience, and compassion. Their philosophy of giving your best and serving others is the foundation of my work ethic.
My path with the Delray Beach Police Department began in 2007. In the years that followed, I was pro-moted to sergeant in 2014, lieutenant in 2017, cap-tain in 2020, and assistant chief in 2021. I have served in Community Patrol, Community Response, and the Investigative Division.
But titles do not define me.
What defines me is commitment to our residents, to our officers, and to meaningful community relationships. I believe in intentional partnerships guided by our core values of P.A.C.E., which are Professional, Accountable, Consistent, and Engaged.
My goal is to build relationships that reach every corner of Delray Beach.
Together with my Executive Leadership Team, I visit schools, engage with youth, attend senior cen-ters, host forums, meet with HOAs, and stay connect-ed with residents to strengthen partnerships. Every-thing we do is centered on building a safer, stronger Delray Beach.
One of my favorite initiatives is our monthly ‘Run with the Chief’ event. Each month, I choose a different neighborhood to highlight the beauty and diversity of our city. It’s about wellness, visibility, and connection. I always remind people, “You don’t have to run — you can walk with us.”
The support and encouragement of colleagues and community leaders humbles me. Highland Beach Police Chief Craig Hartmann, who knew me when I first started, has said I have always been a people person with a positive attitude and a strong connection to the community.
C. Ron Allen, Founder of the KOP Mentoring Network, has spoken of my commitment to experience, integrity, vision, and collaborative leadership. Their words remind me of the responsibility I carry and the trust that has been placed in me.
Education has always been a priority. I hold a Grad-uate Certificate in Criminal Justice Education from the University of Virginia, a Master of Arts in Organiza-tional Leadership from Waldorf University, a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration from Co-lumbia Southern University, and I am a proud gradu-ate of the FBI National Academy.
I did not get here alone. My journey was shaped by mentors such as Chiefs Craig Hartmann and Michael Coleman, Mr. Zack Straghn, Ernestine Holiday, Yvonne Odom, former Assistant Chief Ralph Phillips, and former Captain David Weatherspoon, among others. Their support continues to guide me.
Over the years, I have received several awards, including the Keiser University Choice Award, as well as recognition from various organizations. To me, leadership is not about titles or accolades – it’s about trust. When someone walks away from an encounter with me, I want them to feel heard and valued.
I am committed to working for every resident of our city. One of my primary goals is to help make Delray Beach the “Safest City in America.” To me and to the members of the Delray Beach Police De-partment, this is more than a slogan; it is a renewed commitment to excellence.
As we grow and evolve, we must move forward together, guided by a vision that reflects who we are and what we stand for: Professional, Accountable, Consistent, Engaged.
Recently, I ran the New York City Marathon and was one of 59,000 participants. Along the course, I saw blind runners, runners with no legs, and a man propelling himself backward in a wheelchair. Their determination gave me strength and deeply touched my heart.
It reminded me of the best of humanity and inspired me to continue pursuing more races. I have completed several half marathons, and I now have my sights set on the Boston and Chicago marathons.
Above all, I continue to honor the two women who shaped the man I am today. The legacy of my mother and grandmother is the foundation of everything I do. Their strength, compassion, and unwavering love guide how I live and how I serve.
For me, service is more than a profession – it’s a way of life. It is grounded in purpose, driven by faith, and fueled by the desire to make a meaningful difference every single day.
