🚔 Fort Pierce City Manager Selects David M. Smith as Police Chief Candidate

Breaking: City Manager Richard Chess selected David M. Smith, Commander of Eastern District Operations for the Prince William County Police Department in Virginia, as his choice to lead the Fort Pierce Police Department.

Who is David Smith: 24 years of law enforcement experience, including previous service as Commander of the Personnel Bureau. He has a Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice Education, a Master of Arts in Executive Leadership, and a Bachelor of Science in Management.

The controversy: This comes after Monday night's explosive city commission meeting where 15 residents lined up to demand local candidate Acting Deputy Chief Caleb Gillette be added back to the finalist pool. The commission deadlocked 2-2 with no vote taken.

What Chess said: "Commander Smith's experience and proven leadership make him a compelling candidate to serve the residents of Fort Pierce."

What's next: Chess will formally present his recommendation to the Fort Pierce City Commission at their December 8th meeting, where commissioners will vote on the appointment. With only four commissioners, a 2-2 tie means the recommendation fails.

The tension remains: The question is whether commissioners will follow the process or demand the local candidate the community wants.

Watch my full breakdown of Monday night's meeting (10 minutes)