PUBLIC SERVICE SPOTLIGHT: Palm Bay Police Department Promotes Tyler Riesen to Rank of Sergeant
By Space Coast Daily // July 30, 2025
has served the department for seven years

BREVARD COUNTY • PALM BAY, FLORIDA — The Palm Bay Police Department is proud to announce the promotion of Corporal Tyler Riesen to the rank of Sergeant.
Sergeant Riesen has proudly served the department for seven years, demonstrating dedication, leadership, and a strong commitment to excellence.
Throughout his career, he has held multiple roles, including Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Field Training and Evaluation Program Coordinator, Major Case Unit Detective, Critical Incident Stress Management Team Member, SWAT Operator, and Corporal.
Sergeant Riesen holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Central Florida, which has undoubtedly contributed to his ability to lead with insight and professionalism.
WATCH: The Palm Bay Police Department is recruiting experienced certified law enforcement officers. Visit the employment website to view current openings. Contact recruiting by email to recruiting@pbfl.org or by phone at 321-409-7137.
The Palm Bay Police Department is recruiting experienced certified law enforcement officers. Entry-level and training options are available.
Visit the employment website to view current openings. Contact recruiting by email to recruiting@pbfl.org or by phone at 321-409-7137.
Some of the benefits the Palm Bay Police Department offers for certified, experienced law enforcement officers include:
● Pension buy-back for previous law enforcement or military experience, with a maximum of 4 years
● Take-home car program within a 35-mile radius
● Retirement plan offers 85% at 25 years of service
● 3% COLA annually, after the third year
● 5-year DROP benefit available
● 100% vested at 10 years
● Eligible for all Investigations and Specialty Units upon completion of one-year probation
● Sign-on bonus for experienced officers
● Up to $2,500 relocation incentive
● Family-friendly schedule when officers work 14 days a month, with four consecutive days off
● Approved for Veterans’ Training

Probationary police officers, who are qualifying veterans and were Florida LEO certified after February 13, 2006, may be eligible for additional monthly benefits.
The Montgomery GI Bill, which supports the on-the-job training benefit, has been heralded as one of the most significant pieces of legislation produced by the federal government.
Additional information on Veterans’ Benefits is located on the web at www.gibill.va.gov. Questions may also be directed to a toll free number 888-442-4551.
Officer Requirements and Recruitment
Current standards require candidates to complete nearly 800 hours of police academy training before joining the Department. Once hired, these officers must complete three weeks of orientation and an additional 14 weeks in a field training program before being allowed to perform the duties of a sworn law enforcement officer independently.
Visit the employment website to view current openings. Contact recruiting by email to recruiting@pbfl.org or by phone at 321-409-7137.

Police Officer Sponsorship Program
This is entry-level law enforcement work designed to train individuals for a career as a Police Officer. The primary function in this classification is to complete the Florida Law Enforcement Basic Recruit Academy program and the State Officer Certification Exam.
Upon successful completion of the Law Enforcement Academy and the State Exam, the recruit will be promoted to the position of Police Officer with the Palm Bay Police Department. Performance is reviewed through class work, exams, attendance, participation and observations by superiors.
Through this sponsorship, candidates will develop knowledge and proficiency in interpreting federal, State, and Local Laws and ordinances, as well as police department policies and regulations.
Candidates will develop skill and proficiency in the use and care of firearms and all other equipment used to perform the duties of a law enforcement officer. To see if there are current sponsorship opportunities, visit our employment website to view current openings.
Police Academy Information: Visit the Eastern Florida State College website.
Ride-Along Program: The Department offers a Ride-Along Program for potential employees, providing them with greater insight into the police profession and the workings of the Department. At this time, we are restricting the program to students currently enrolled in a Criminal Justice program and/or attending the Police Academy.
Contact the ride-along program by email at ridealong@pbfl.org or by phone at 321-952-3465.