FORT PIERCE, Fla. (CBS12) — The City of Fort Pierce announced on Friday three finalists in its nationwide search for a new chief of police, a process launched after months of internal conflict, a scathing consultant’s report, and the resignation of longtime Chief Diane Hobley-Burney.

The finalists are:

Vernon L. Hale III, a 30-year law enforcement veteran and former chief of the Galveston Police Department in Texas. Hale holds a master’s degree in criminal justice from the University of North Texas and is pursuing a doctorate at the University of Phoenix. He previously served as assistant chief in Prince George’s County, Maryland.Mirtha V. Ramos, who brings 28 years of experience and previously led the DeKalb County Police Department in Georgia. Ramos earned a master’s degree in psychology of leadership from Penn State and a bachelor’s in criminal justice from Lynn University. She also served as a division chief with Miami-Dade Police.David M. Smith, a 24-year veteran of the Prince William County Police Department in Virginia, where he currently commands Eastern District Operations. Smith has advanced degrees in executive leadership and criminal justice education and previously oversaw the department’s Personnel Bureau.

The announcement follows a turbulent year for the Fort Pierce Police Department. Hobley-Burney resigned in May after nearly a decade as chief, citing “undermined trust” and “division within the department” that made it “challenging to lead.” Her departure came one day before a special city commission meeting and after a union-led survey and a consultant’s report revealed deep morale issues, staffing shortages, and pay disputes.

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The Center for Public Safety Management review, presented in May, found the department’s staffing levels were 22% below recommended standards, described the agency as a “training ground” where officers gain experience only to leave for other agencies, and flagged outdated policies and leadership concerns. At least two captains resigned earlier this year, and commissioners openly debated whether a “change in direction” — including leadership replacement — was necessary.

The turmoil also included public allegations of a “hostile work environment” under Hobley-Burney, with former employees citing bullying, intimidation, and transparency issues. Officers complained of excessive overtime and lack of equipment, while union negotiations over pay dragged on for months, prompting discussions about outsourcing police services to the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office — an idea city leaders later rejected.

Residents will have an opportunity to meet the finalists during a public reception on Dec. 2 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the River Walk Center, 600 N. Indian River Drive. Interviews with the mayor and city commissioners are scheduled for Dec. 3, and the city manager is expected to present a final recommendation on Dec. 8.

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