Cocoa Police Lieutenants Graduate from Prestigious Southern Police Institute Leadership Program
By Space Coast Daily // January 18, 2026
program focuses on executive-level leadership
BREVARD COUNTY • COCOA, FLORIDA — Cocoa Police Lt. Mark Baaden and Lt. Bryan Stillwell graduated from the Southern Police Institute Command Officer Development Course, a nationally respected leadership program for law enforcement professionals.
The Command Officer Development Course is designed to prepare current and emerging law enforcement leaders to manage complex organizations, make informed strategic decisions, and lead effectively in today’s evolving and increasingly challenging policing environment.
The intensive program focuses on executive-level leadership, organizational management, ethical decision-making, and community-focused policing strategies.
Department officials said the successful completion of the program by Lieutenants Baaden and Stillwell reflects their strong commitment to professional growth, continuous learning, and excellence in public service.
Their achievement also underscores the department’s commitment to developing leaders prepared to meet both current and future challenges in law enforcement.
The accomplishment further highlights Chief Collier’s commitment to succession planning and leadership development within the Cocoa Police Department.
By supporting advanced training opportunities such as SPI, Chief Collier aims to ensure the department remains well-prepared for the future, with highly trained leaders capable of guiding the organization and serving the community with professionalism and integrity.
The Cocoa Police Department congratulated both lieutenants on this significant milestone and expressed confidence that their enhanced leadership skills will have a lasting, positive impact on the department and the residents they serve.
