Palm Bay Police Sgt. Jesse Eakins Retires After Nearly Three Decades of Service to the Community

Sgt. Eakins trained countless officers, academy recruits and Dive Team Members

BREVARD COUNTY • PALM BAY, FLORIDA – The Palm Bay Police Department recently celebrated the retirement of Sgt. Jesse Eakins, who leaves the department with nearly 30 years of service.

During his tenure, Sgt. Eakins served as a Road Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Training Unit Officer, Corporal and Sergeant.

He has served as the agency’s lead defensive tactics instructor, defensive tactics instructor at the police academy and the supervisor for the underwater recovery team.

Over the years, Sgt. Eakins has trained countless officers, police academy recruits and new dive team members.

After being promoted to the rank of sergeant, he was assigned to the nightshift, where he has been for the past 11 years. He was assigned to the city’s south district, which is the largest, and busiest.

In this role, Sgt. Eakins has mentored many new officers, as well as mentored experienced officers in getting selected for different specialty units within the department. He is also responsible for the mentorship of new supervisors within the department.

Sgt. Eakins was always known as being “calm, cool and collected,” and his experience brought a voice of comfort, and confidence in times of high stress.

“If you ask anyone who has worked for him, he was not viewed as a “boss,” but a “leader,” Sgt. Eakins will be highly missed by all,” said Sgt. Eakins’ colleagues.

“He looks forward to many days out on his boat and spending time with his six grandchildren, please join us in congratulating and thanking Sgt. Eakins for his many dedicated years of service to the Palm Bay Community.”

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