The City of Fort Pierce has identified three finalists in its competitive, nationwide search for the next Chief of Police for the Fort Pierce Police Department. Following a thorough and methodical evaluation process, the City is pleased to announce the following candidates:
Vernon L. Hale III brings three decades of law enforcement experience. He is a Doctoral Candidate at the University of Phoenix and holds a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of North Texas. Hale previously served as Chief of Police for the Galveston Police Department in Texas and as Assistant Chief of Police for the Prince George’s County Police Department in Maryland. He currently resides in Aubrey, Texas.
Mirtha V. Ramos has 28 years of law enforcement experience. She earned a Master of Professional Studies in Psychology of Leadership from Pennsylvania State University and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Lynn University. Ramos served as Division Chief with the Miami-Dade Police Department and later as Chief of Police for the DeKalb County Police Department in Georgia. She resides in Decatur, Georgia.
David M. Smith brings 24 years of experience in law enforcement and holds advanced degrees in executive leadership and criminal justice education. Smith previously served as Commander of the Personnel Bureau for the Prince William County Police Department in Virginia and currently serves as Commander of Eastern District Operations. He resides in Dumfries, Virginia.
As part of the final selection process, the candidates will interview with the Mayor and City Commissioners on December 3, 2025. In advance of these interviews, the City will host a public meet-and-greet on December 2, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the River Walk Center, located at 600 N. Indian River Drive. Residents are invited to attend and engage with the finalists.
The City Manager is expected to present a final recommendation to the City Commission on December 8, 2025.