Melbourne Police Celebrates First Promotional and Swearing-In Ceremony at Joseph Pellicano Law Enforcement Center

event highlighted dedication, achievements of officers who serve with commitment and integrity

BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA — The Melbourne Police Department recently celebrated its first Promotional & Swearing-In Ceremony at the new Joseph Pellicano Law Enforcement Center.

This event highlighted the dedication and achievements of officers who continue to serve with commitment and integrity.

Officers who have earned their well-deserved promotions include Lieutenant Brendon Eder and Sergeant Daniel Gill.

“Their hard work and leadership inspire all, and they are proud to step into these new roles,” said an MPD spokesperson.

The department also welcomed the newest members of the MPD family:

● Officer Adam Bernthal
● Officer Carlita Mahler
● Officer Antonio Miranda
● Officer Thiago Pereira

“Their dedication and service to the community are deeply valued, and the department looks forward to the impact they will make in keeping Melbourne safe,” said an MPD spokesperson.

MPD officials thanked everyone who joined for this special occasion.

“The continued support and encouragement mean the world. The future holds great promise as these outstanding officers embark on the next chapter of their careers,” said an MPD spokesperson..

“Together, the Melbourne Police Department remains committed to serving and protecting the community with honor and dedication.”

David Gillespie is the Chief of Police of the Melbourne Police Department. The Deputy Chief of Police oversees day-to-day operations. Four commanders oversee the Patrol, Criminal Investigations, Support Services, and Community Services divisions.

The department has 176 sworn officers, 72 non-sworn civilian personnel, one full-time crossing guard coordinator and 22 part-time crossing guards.

Patrol Division

The Commander of this Division is responsible for all patrol functions throughout the City of Melbourne and the Communications Center. The patrol function is all encompassing and includes the use of the police K-9 unit.

Communications Center

The MPD Communications Center serves a critical function, handling 130,000 calls to 911 and 1 million push-to-talk radio calls each year. Communication officers and dispatchers are the single link of our police officers and fire fighters, monitoring activities by radio and providing vital information to ensure their safety. The Communications Center receives, classifies, and prioritizes calls from the public and dispatches the calls that require police and/or fire/rescue response, and transfers and/or directs calls that do not require police response to the proper agency/unit. The Communications Center is a 24-hour operation, providing service seven days a week, including weekends and holidays.

K-9 Unit

The Melbourne Police Department K-9 Unit employs police officers with specialized skills and highly trained K-9s to support the department in meeting its law enforcement mission. K-9 teams track and locate missing or wanted persons, locate evidence or lost property, apprehend fleeing or combative fugitives, and pinpoint hidden contraband or explosive devices.

Criminal Investigations Division

The Criminal Investigations Division is responsible for the investigation of major crimes, vice and narcotic crimes, and follow-up investigation of other felonious crimes. To accomplish its mission to investigate and solve felony crimes, the Division is divided into three focused units. These are Criminal Investigations, Crime Scene Investigation, and Special Investigations Unit. The division includes 30 detectives and detective supervisors, five crime scene investigators, and other technical and support personnel.

Community Services Division

The Community Services Division is responsible for multiple functions within the Melbourne Police Department.  The Community Services Division encompasses the Strategic Traffic Enforcement Unit, Community Resource Officers, Community Service Officers, School Resource Officers, the Public Information Officer, the Crossing Guard program and all volunteer functions. The Strategic Traffic Unit consists of motor officers and traffic enforcement officers.

Crisis Negotiation Unit

Crisis Negotiation Unit provides support to other elements of the Department in hostage/barricaded/suicidal subject(s) situations, through the deployment of specially trained officers skilled in crisis management and hostage negotiations. These specially trained officers will respond to incidents involving, or potentially involving, a high risk to the public, police officers, or suspects. Our goal during these incidents is attaining a peaceful resolution through communication.

S.W.A.T.

The Melbourne Police Department Special Weapons and Tactics Team (S.W.A.T.) is a lifesaving unit with an emphasis on resolving incidents in the safest manner possible. The primary duties of the team are high-risk warrant service and counter narcotics operations. The team has been involved in numerous joint operations with the Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Secret Service, Florida Department of Law Enforcement and local Law Enforcement agencies.

Dive Rescue Team

The Melbourne Police Department Dive Rescue Unit team is responsible for underwater investigations, evidence collection, victim rescue and recovery, conveyance recovery, and other waterborne police operations as required. The team also provides water-related education to the public upon request.

Marine Patrol

MPD has designated marine patrol officers who are assigned to waterway patrols. Some of the call-outs are completed in conjunction with other agencies, including the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office and the Coast Guard. The Department may also be called upon to deal with homeland security issues related to the two main causeways in Melbourne, and can be involved in port and inlet security activities including the boarding of suspicious boats. Marine activities include patrols of canals in order to provide a police presence for homeowners and decrease waterfront crimes.

Support Services Division

The Support Services Division provides the staff and line function of the department with training and logistical support. This division includes Information Services, which oversees the Records Section; Recruiting; and the Training Office.

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