PUBLIC SERVIE SPOTLIGHT: Cocoa Police Department Makes Promotions, Swears in New Officers

fourth consecutive year of reducing crime highlights quarterly report

BREVARD COUNTY • COCOA, FLORIDA — Cocoa Police Chief Evander Collier IV recently delivered the first community quarter update for 2025.

“As we step into a new year, we are filled with optimism and a commitment to building on our foundation of excellence,” said Collier.

‘Reflecting on 2024, we are proud to have closed the year with another anticipated reduction in crime. While final figures are still pending, preliminary data suggests decreases in both violent and non-violent crime categories—marking the fourth consecutive year of progress in reducing crime.

“This achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the men and women of the Cocoa Police Department, along with the invaluable support of our community partners. Together, we remain steadfast in our mission to prioritize the community, foster strong partnerships, and uphold the highest standards of excellence.”

PROMOTIONS

Officer Branda Marchica, Agent Ben Erskine, Detective Rickford Lietch, and Officer Will Stephenson were all promoted to sergeant and are assigned to the patrol division.

“I am absolutely confident that these outstanding officers will serve our agency as exceptional and influential leaders,” said Collier.

“They are seasoned, highly experienced law enforcement professionals who will undoubtedly make a profoundly positive impact on our agency and our community.”

Sgt. Marchica has been with the Cocoa Police Department since 1996. Her journey in law enforcement began as a communications officer.

She became a police officer in 2000, serving in the patrol division for two years. Her commitment and drive earned her a promotion to the rank of agent in 2002, where she excelled in the special investigations division, tackling complex cases involving drugs, narcotics, and vice crimes.

In 2010, her expertise led her to the role of detective, a position she embraced wholeheartedly for an impressive 11 years. Following her time as a detective, she returned to patrol before finding her calling as a school resource officer.

For the past six years, she has been a trusted and compassionate presence at Endeavour Elementary School, making a lasting impact on the students and community she serves. In 2020, Marchica was named Cocoa Police Department Officer of the Year.

Sgt. Stephenson has been with the Cocoa Police Department since 2007.

He has served as a patrol officer, field training officer, and corporal leading a patrol squad. In addition, he made a significant impact working with the Game Over Task Force and the Street Crimes Unit, which were laser-focused on suppressing criminal activity and driving down crime rates.

Stephenson brings over four years of supervisory experience, during which he led the Community Engagement Unit, Honor Guard, and patrol officers with excellence and dedication.

With more than 16 years of dedicated law enforcement experience, Sgt. Erskine has been an invaluable member of the Cocoa Police Department since joining in May 2008. Throughout his tenure, he has served in various capacities, including patrol officer, field training officer, school resource officer, traffic homicide investigator, and community policing officer.

His investigative skills were further demonstrated during his two-year tenure as a detective, during which time he successfully handled major cases.

In 2018, Detective Erskine was recognized by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, Orlando Division, for his exceptional work on a sex trafficking investigation that led to a 30-year prison sentence for the accused.

For the past eight years, he has been a key member of the Special Investigations Unit, playing a critical role in dismantling major drug operations throughout Cocoa and surrounding areas. Additionally, he has been a long-standing and dedicated member of the department’s SWAT team.

With more than 16 years of dedicated law enforcement experience, Sgt. Erskine has been an invaluable member of the Cocoa Police Department since joining in May 2008. Throughout his tenure, he has served in various capacities, including patrol officer, field training officer, school resource officer, traffic homicide investigator, and community policing officer. His investigative skills were further demonstrated during his two-year tenure as a detective, where he successfully handled major cases.

In 2018, Detective Erskine was recognized by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, Orlando Division, for his exceptional work on a sex trafficking investigation that led to a 30-year prison sentence for the accused. For the past eight years, he has been a key member of the Special Investigations Unit, playing a critical role in dismantling major drug operations throughout Cocoa and surrounding areas. Additionally, he has been a long-standing and dedicated member of the department’s SWAT team.

Sgt. Erskine is not only a skilled officer but also a mentor and role model for new officers. His leadership, experience, and commitment to excellence will continue to strengthen our agency for years to come.

Detective Rickford Leitch begins his new role in mid-March. He will bring his leadership and expertise to the patrol division.

Since joining the Cocoa Police Department in January 2013, Detective Leitch has built an impressive career. A graduate of the law enforcement academy at Eastern Florida State College in 2012, he has served in various critical roles, including patrol officer, traffic/motor officer, traffic homicide investigator, crisis negotiations team member, field training officer, and most recently, detective.

His passion for law enforcement was sparked by his experience as a foster parent, where he witnessed firsthand the profound impact officers can have on families and children. This personal mission fuels his dedication to service and community engagement. “With his leadership, experience, and steadfast commitment, I am confident Detective Leitch will serve as both a mentor and role model for new officers while making a lasting, positive impact on our agency and the community,” Chief Collier stated.

TWO NEW POLICE OFFICERS SWORN IN: Chief Collie administered the Police Officer’s Oath to two new members of the Cocoa Police Department.

Irene Ortega was sworn in during a special ceremony attended by her family, department personnel, and city elected officials and leaders.

Ortega is originally from the Bronx, New York. She grew up in Queens and became a fan of the New York Mets. She moved to Florida in 2006. She is the youngest of two children, with an older sister. Ortega is currently working on completing a bachelor’s degree in public safety.

She will spend the next several months training to learn the department’s policies, procedures, and operational practices. Once she completes the Field Training Evaluation Program, she will be assigned to a squad and deployed for patrol duties.

Reserve Officer Ryan Brackin was sworn in on February 10th. A Brevard County native, Brackin graduated from Space Coast Junior/Senior High School in 2012 and the Law Enforcement Academy at Eastern Florida State College in 2015.

He served the City of Cocoa from 2018 to 2021 before his departure. During his tenure, he won numerous awards and commendations. His older brother Ken is currently a patrol officer and field training officer with the agency.

As a reserve officer, Ryan Brackin will be required to serve at least 20 hours each month in patrol functions. Brackin is married and has children. He continues to work for his family’s business.

TWO NEW CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS JOIN CPD

The two newest members of the police department’s Code Enforcement Division are an army veteran and a former corrections sergeant.

The Cocoa Police Department’s Code Enforcement Division enforces the city’s Code of Ordinances, which are meant to maintain a safe and healthy environment for residents, workers, and visitors.

The code enforcement officers will make every effort to preserve property values and remove blight throughout the city. They will work with patrol officers to improve the safety and overall quality of life for residents, business owners and visitors.

Jason Brimm is originally from Kingsport, Tennessee. He moved to Brevard County in 1992 and graduated from Titusville High School in 2001.

In 2008, he earned an associate degree in criminal justice followed by a bachelor’s degree in 2018, also in criminal justice. In 2020, he earned a master’s degree in criminal justice administration.

He worked as a corrections sergeant for the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office from 2005 to 2022. He later served as a child protective investigator with the Florida Department of Children and Families. He also spent a short time working as a case manager for a non-profit involving housing for the homeless. Brimm has two children and enjoys DIY projects and spending time with his children.

Justin Simpson was born and raised in Cocoa. He served 13 years as a military police officer in the U.S. Army before medically retiring in 2018.

In 2020, he earned an associate degree in business administration and entrepreneurship from Eastern Florida State College. He served on Cocoa’s planning and zoning board for four years, three of which he served as chairman. Simpson is married and has two children. When he’s off duty, he enjoys farming and mechanical work.

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