Charlene Jenkins-Catechis Honored During Retirement from Cocoa Police Department

Jenkins-Catechis began with CPD in 2005

BREVARD COUNTY • COCOA, FLORIDA — The City of Cocoa Police Department recently gathered to celebrate the retirement of Charlene Jenkins-Catechis and honor her extraordinary 20-year career.

Jenkins-Catechis began her journey with CPD in 2005, working in the Records Division. Her talent and reliability quickly stood out, and over the years, she rose through the ranks to become the Chief’s Administrative Secretary.

Throughout her career, Charlene served five police chiefs, each with distinct leadership styles, personalities, and challenges. Regardless of the leadership changes, Charlene remained the steady, trusted presence behind the scenes.

As Chief Evander Collier, her final supervisor, reflected, “It’s going to be hard to fill her shoes.”

To commemorate her lasting impact, Chief Collier presented Jenkins-Catechis with the Chief’s Challenge Coin, an honor given to individuals who embody excellence and selfless service. Commander Dovale also took the opportunity to present her with a plaque in recognition of her 20 years of dedication.

She was not only a cornerstone of the department’s operations but also a guardian of its values. Her professionalism, strength, and unwavering moral compass set a tone for those around her and left an indelible mark on the culture of CPD.

Similar Stories