Melbourne Police Appoints Vincent Pryce Deputy Chief

By  //  April 6, 2015

Prycehas served the department since 1987

Vincent Pryce has been appointed to serve as the new Deputy Chief of the Melbourne Police Department, effective April 11. (Image for SpaceCoastDaily.com)
Vincent Pryce has been appointed to serve as the new Deputy Chief of the Melbourne Police Department, effective April 11. (Image for SpaceCoastDaily.com)

Deputy Chief Renee’ Purden Will Retire From the MPD After 30 Years of Service

BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA — Vincent Pryce has been appointed to serve as the new Deputy Chief of the Melbourne Police Department, effective April 11.

MELBOURNEBADGE-180He will replace current Deputy Chief Renee’ Purden who will retire from the MPD after 30 years of service.

Pryce currently serves as the Commander of the Special Operations Division. He has served the department since 1987 in several leadership roles.

Renee’ Purden
Renee’ Purden

Lt. Daniel Lynch will be promoted to serve as Commander of the Special Operations Division after Pryce moves into the Deputy Chief position. Lynch has served the department since 2001.

Other changes in the command staff include the promotion of Lt. Heath Sanders to the rank of Commander on March 28. Sanders has served the department for 20 years.

He will oversee the Criminal investigations Division, taking over for Ken Bale who retired in January after 30 years of service.

Steve Mimbs
Steve Mimbs

“I am proud that so many of the men and women of the Melbourne Police Department are ready for promotion,” said Melbourne Police Chief Steve Mimbs.

“When there are multiple retirements in leadership positions, it would not be unusual for an agency to need to look outside to find the talent needed to fill these roles.

“We’re blessed at the Melbourne Police Department to have enough qualified people who are prepared to assume leadership positions within the command staff and move our department into the future.”

In addition the following officers have also earned promotions:

• Sergeant Scott Mostert to the rank of Lieutenant
• Sergeant Steve Sadoff to the rank of Lieutenant
• Officer Jennifer Hall to the rank of Sergeant
• Detective Michael Schmid to the rank of Sergeant
• Detective Ryan Schorer to the rank of Sergeant

“There is a tremendous number of talented people in the Melbourne Police Department who are dedicated to preventing crime and helping our community,” Mimbs said.

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