DeLand, FL - Following an intensive interview process, Jason Umberger has been named as the next Chief of Police for the DeLand Police Department.
Umberger, 49, is expected to begin his new position with the DeLand Police Department sometime before June 1. His starting salary will be $125,000.
“I’d like to thank City Manager Michael Pleus for selecting me as DeLand's next Chief of Police as well as the many people who comprised the selection committees who recommended me from such a highly qualified pool of applicants. It is a high honor that so many great folks have placed their faith in me to lead the men and women of the DeLand Police Department into the future,” Umberger said. “I pledge to work hard to earn the trust of the officers and staff of the Department as well as the members of the entire community of DeLand. Together we will work hard to build strong relationships with all we serve, reduce the incidence of crime and the fear of crime and keep our community safe.
“My wife, Teresa, and I look forward to becoming a vibrant part of the community in DeLand and making many new lasting friendships.”
Umberger has been employed since 1993 with the Swatara Township Police Department and was promoted to Chief of Police in 2011. He holds a Bachelors of Arts in Criminal Justice from the University of Maryland and received a Masters in Public Administration from Penn State University. He is also a 2008 graduate of the 261st session of Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command and Penn State’s 204th Police Executive Management Development Course and 43rd Advanced Police Executive Development courses.
Umberger was selected after a nationwide search to replace retiring Chief Bill Ridgway, who will remain in his position until Umberger starts at the DeLand Police Department. He was chosen unanimously by a selection committee made up of community members and leaders as well as leadership from the DeLand Police Department after two days of open interviews and two town hall meetings.
“This was a tremendous process and I appreciate the time all of the candidates and community took to be a part of it,” said City Manager Michael Pleus. “We left no stone unturned and ultimately, I feel, we found the right person to lead our department."
Photo of Jason Umberger courtesy of Chris Graham and the City of DeLand.
Photo courtesy of Dmitry Kaminsky and Shutterstock.com.
Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2017.
