FORT PIERCE – Rumors swirling in the Fort Pierce community about the naming of the next city police chief ramped up late Wednesday when the Fort Pierce Police Officers Union and the Sergeant and Lieutenants Union announced their endorsement of Acting Deputy Chief Caleb Gillette for the job.
“This vote represents the collective voice of the men and women who serve and protect Fort Pierce every day,” the unions said in their statement. “We encourage our citizens and city officials to hear that voice and recognize the leadership our officers stand behind.”
According to the unions’ statement, Gillette began his law enforcement career at Fort Pierce Police Department in 2001, as a patrol officer, rising through the ranks from sergeant to lieutenant, SWAT commander and twice serving as acting deputy chief during his career here.
The City of Fort Pierce declined comment Wednesday on rumors that Gillette could be selected.
“At this time, no official announcement has been made regarding the selection of the next Fort Pierce Police Chief,” said Kaitlyn Ballard, city communications manager, responding to an inquiry from Hometown News . “The City of Fort Pierce will share information with the public and media once a final decision has been made and confirmed.”
The union’s endorsement of Gillette said he has advanced “through every rank with professionalism, integrity and an unwavering commitment to our community.”
According to the union’s Facebook post, Gillette has “overseen critical operations including fiscal management, community engagement, records, technical support and numerous specialized units.”
“His leadership has been instrumental in coordinating major city events such as Unity in Our Community, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Sights and Sounds on Second and July 4 celebration.
Union officials said Gillette is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, the Florida Leadership Academy and Leadership St. Lucie.
“Acting Deputy Chief Gillette brings not only deep experience but also a proven vision for the continued growth and unity of our department,” according to the endorsement.
City Manager Richard Chess announced earlier this month that a national search, led by recruiter S. Renee Narloch & Associates, of Tallahassee, had garnered 57 applications for the job that was offering a starting salary of $128,250-$212,000. Chess had said he planned to conduct initial interviews with preliminary finalists Oct. 23-24.
Chess will choose the next police chief with the affirmation of the Fort Pierce City Commission.
Fort Pierce’s last police chief, Diane Hobley-Burney, resigned under pressure in May after department employees issued a statement of “lost confidence” in her leadership after her 10-year stint here.
Robert Ridle, a deputy chief who was named interim top cop after Hobley-Burney’s departure, did not apply for the position, saying he planned to retire from the department in 2026.