Sizemore named interim Cape Coral police chief during nationwide search

There is a new top cop in Southwest Florida’s largest city.

Deputy Chief Anthony Sizemore will temporarily lead Cape Coral Police Department. In Sizemore’s 22 years with Cape Coral Police Department, he’s seen it all.

“I’ve held every rank in the police department from working the street to being a training officer,” Sizemore said. “I was a detective in our major crimes unit, was a sergeant leading a squad.”

If you’ve been living in Southwest Florida for a while, you might recognize Sizemore from his days as the public information officer. From there he rose to deputy chief. Now, he will take on the role of interim police chief.

“We are so growing in the challenge is to continue to recruit a diverse workforce, ready to come in and help keep this community one of the safest in Florida,” Sizemore said.

Becoming interim chief doesn’t mean Sizemore has the inside track on becoming the permanent chief to replace Chief Dave Newlan, who is set to retire Friday.

“I selected the deputy chief Sizemore because of what he offers to the police department, and I also know that Mr. Sizemore is going to be here for the next several years,” City Manager Rob Hernadez said.

While Sizemore runs the department, Hernandez will continue with a nationwide search for a new full-time police chief.

Chief Newlan will start his new job with The School District of Lee County Dec. 1, where he will oversee security and emergency management.

The City of Cape Coral hopes to name a new chief by June.

“We are finalizing our contract with a search firm that will help coordinate our national recruitment efforts,” Hernandez said. “That effort should begin any day now.”