North Port police chief candidates set for meet and greet Feb. 26 5:30-7:30 pM
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North Port police chief candidates set for meet and greet

By LAUREN COFFEY

STAFF WRITER

NORTH PORT — As Police Chief Kevin Vespia gets ready to retire in the next month, the city is preparing to fill his role.

The city will offer a meet and greet event for residents to speak with the four final police chief candidates for Vespia’s spot. The event will be held Monday, Feb. 26 between 5:30-7:30 p.m. in Commission Chambers at City Hall, 4970 City Hall Blvd.

“It’s something that’s done pretty frequently,” North Port Police spokesperson Josh Taylor said. “We are up for being vetted and seeing how they view community policing, their philosophy....everyone is different. It’s important how they approach it and it’s important for the public to see what it is and get their input.”

The meet-and-greet will be informal and allow residents to ask the potential new chief any questions.

“There will be an opportunity to interact, it wont be ‘here’s your opportunity to look through glass,’” Taylor said. “There will be potential to ask questions (through) mingling.”

The final candidate chosen will shadow Vespia during his last few weeks in the position. His last day will be March 31.

The four candidates are:

• Shawn Backer Work experience: Current Coral Springs deputy chief since 2014.

Was previously captain of community involvement in Coral Springs from 2012 to 2013. Has been in the industry since 2005, most recently as patrol lieutenant from 2010 to 2012 and held various investigative and patrol positions as sergeant from 2005 to 2010.

Education: Graduated with a master’s degree in criminal justice from Florida Atlantic University. Graduated from the 266th Session of the FBI National Academy.

• Michael Kopy Work experience: internal affairs staff inspector for New York State Police since 2013.

Been in the industry since 1986, most recently as a major of for Troop K Pough-keepsie from 2010 to 2013 and major of Troop NYC from 2007 to 2010.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Pace University Other: is a certified human resources counselor

• Gregory Purden

Work experience: operational services commander for Brevard County Sheriff’s Office since 2014.

Been in the industry since 2007, most recently as a commander of various bureaus from 2010 to 2014.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in general studies with major course work in criminal justice from Columbia College of Missouri, graduate of the 242nd Session of the FBI National Academy and the 39th Session of the Southern Police Institute Command Officers Develop-ment Course Other: Also served as a SWAT team commander

• George Turner

Work experience: Police chief in Brooksville, Fla., since 2007. Has been in the industry since 1976, most recently as a captain in Longboat Key from 2001 to 2007 and a captain in Ulster, N.Y. from 1990 to 2000 Education: Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Empire State College and a graduate of the 193rd Session of the FBI National Academy

Email: lcoffey@sun-herald.com

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