Search for new FMPD chief down to 10 candidates

FORT MYERS, Fla.- A list of possible candidates for the Fort Myers Police Department chief has been narrowed to ten finalists.

It’s been nearly nine months since the City of Fort Myers let Doug Baker go from his position as chief of FMPD. Dennis Eads, current FMPD interim police chief, is among the list of candidates to fill the position permanently.

The News-Press reports the list also includes:

• Melvin Perry, captain at FMPD
• Willie Dennard, captain at FMPD
• Luis Cabrera, deputy chief in Miami
• Robert Chabali, retired assistant chief in Dayton, Ohio
• Derrick Diggs, chief in Toledo, Ohio
• Brian Harris, assistant chief in DeKalb County, Georgia
• Peter Newsham, assistant chief in Washington, D.C.
• Michael Reese, deputy chief in Washington, D.C. Housing Authority
• Anthony Williams, retired assistant chief in Fort Lauderdale

“I would like to see someone that has big city experience because what I believe we are seeing here in Fort Myers are big city problems,” said Carmen Salome, Lee County Supervisor of Elections candidate.

Some Fort Myers residents say they are concerned with a number of issues involving FMPD including a large number of unsolved murders and a negative relationship between police and the public.

“There’s been a lot of separation between the police, a lot of racial issues and that’s around the world,” said Chris Hall. “They’ve gotta be able to come in and break those barriers. And it’s gonna be hard but it can happen.”

The police chief selection committee will meet with each of the candidates on May 6 and narrow the list down to the top three picks.