Daytona Beach, FL - Daytona Beach’s top cop says he’s going to decide quickly if he wants to become the head of the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.
Daytona Beach Police Department Chief Mike Chitwood said during his monthly “Ask The Chief” segment with WNDB’s Marc Bernier on Friday that he is considering a run to replace Ben Johnson as the head of the county’s largest law enforcement agency.
“I think it is an incredible opportunity,” Chitwood added. “Ben had done a phenomenal job with that organization. He’s poured his heart and soul into it.”
Johnson – a DeLand native who has spent over 40 years at VCSO and has been re-elected 3 times since becoming the county’s Sheriff in 2000 – announced his retirement on Tuesday effective at the end of his current term in December 2016.
Chitwood – who emerged as a potential candidate almost as soon as the 65-year-old Johnson announced his departure from VCSO – told Bernier he doesn’t plan on taking much time to make a decision.
“I’m gonna put an end to this probably on Monday (01-11-16) or Tuesday,” Chitwood stated. “Either way, I’m gonna make an announcement and let’s go forward.”
Chitwood admitted that he’s “lost track” of all the phone calls he’s received from reporters, friends and others who are interested to know if he plans to leave the job he’s held for almost 10 years.
“It’s flattering that people think ‘Hey, this would be a great job for you. You would do a great job for us.’,” Chitwood said. “And you look at that. Then you look at the big picture, also, that I love being a Daytona Beach cop. I love the city of Daytona Beach.”
He also noted that he still needs to talk to several people whose opinions he values and that he plans to do that before announcing his decision.
Chitwood – who acknowledged having feuded with Johnson in the past over various professional matters – said he’s yet to talk to Johnson face-to-face since his announcement but does want to do so soon.
“Me and Ben certainly have had our issues between one another,” Chitwood stated. “Not ever personal, always professional. It was sad to watch his press conference for me because I know even though we may have disagreed on things, the guy is extremely passionate and committed to his community and to his organization.”
No candidates have formally declared for Volusia County Sheriff in this year’s elections, according to the Volusia County Department of Elections website.
Mike Chitwood (photo courtesy DBPD)
Copyright 2016 Southern Stone Communications.