Chief Doug Muldoon began his career in Palm Bay in August 1976 working in all sections of the agency and has served on the senior staff since 1983. He has a bachelor’s degree in public administration from the University of Central Florida. He is also a graduate of the 153rd Session of the FBI National Academy and subsequently served as the FBINAA Florida chapter president in 1998. (Palm Bay image)
BREVARD COUNTY • PALM BAY, FLORIDA – Chief Doug Muldoon announced Monday his retirement from the Palm Bay Police Department effect January 23, 2015. Chief Muldoon has served the citizens of Palm Bay for more than 38 years and was appointed Chief in April 2011.
Muldoon began his career in Palm Bay in August 1976 working in all sections of the agency and has served on the senior staff since 1983. He has a bachelor’s degree in public administration from the University of Central Florida.
He is also a graduate of the 153rd Session of the FBI National Academy and subsequently served as the FBINAA Florida chapter president in 1998.
In July 2005 Muldoon was elected to the Executive National Board of Directors for this international association. He is also a graduate of the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar, (52nd Session), FDLE Executive Institute Senior Leadership Program, the Certified Public Manager Program and Leadership Brevard.
Before becoming chief he was assigned as the commander of the Uniformed Services Division which encompasses all of road patrol, code enforcement, specialty units and the communications center
Chief Doug Muldoon
In a statement to the department Chief Muldoon wrote, “I must tell you that each of you have contributed to making this agency one of the finest, not only in Florida but the United States. Your dedication to the police department, city and the community as a whole cannot be recognized enough. The partnerships that we have built will continue long into the future and make each of you and this agency a better place.”
Chief Muldoon highlighted noteworthy events during his tenure with the agency including the April 23, 1987 mass shooting where two Palm Bay Police officers were killed along with four citizens. More than a dozen other citizens were also wounded that day.
Palm Bay Police Chief Muldoon highlighted noteworthy events during his tenure with the agency including the April 23, 1987 mass shooting where two Palm Bay Police officers were killed, along with four citizens, by William Cruse, shown here at his trial. (Murderpedia.org image)
The chief noted the hurricanes of 2004, the Mother’s Day fires in 2008 and Tropical Storm Fay as being events that tested the agencies resolve and made it stronger.
He went on to say, “We have also led law enforcement in many of our innovations. We were one of the first agencies in the United States to start the transition to 9 mm handguns in 1987; TASERS were issued to all patrol officers which was not the norm; we tested UAV/drones in 2006; started the first local DNA data base and subsequently the RapidHit 200 machine, S.O.A.R. and recently Tac-Tel Medicine for SWAT.
“We are the fourth safest city (with a population more than 100,000) in Florida with a huge drop in our Uniform Crime Report (UCR) crime stats, all due to you and your efforts. In noting my pride in our agency I want to inform you that I will be retiring January 23, 2015. This was not an easy decision; however, the time has come for me to move on and now watch all of you continue to grow.
“Leaving our family here in Palm Bay is the hardest part of my retiring after having worked over 38 years in this agency. Once again, I thank you for all you do. It has truly been an honor working with each of you serving as your Chief for the last four years.”
Chief Muldoon led the department through one of the most significant personnel turnover rates in the city’s history resulting from retirements.
The agency is still in the midst of transitioning to the next generation of law enforcement officers.
With more retirements expected in the next five years recruitment efforts have escalated in search of the highest quality candidates to fill the high number of expected vacancies.
Sue Hann
“Through Chief Muldoon’s leadership, the agency has built exceptional relationships and achievement in law enforcement,” said City Manager Sue Hann.
“As a result, Palm Bay is ranked as one of the safest large cities in the state of Florida. Chief Muldoon leaves the agency well positioned for continued excellence in service to the citizens and businesses of Palm Bay.”
