A competitive selection process is underway for the next police chief of Flagler Beach, with nearly 30 candidates vying for the position. The search follows the retirement of former Chief Matt Doughney, who held the role since 2013 and previously served as a captain with the Daytona Beach Police Department.
Among the candidates is the acting Chief Lance Blanchette, who has been with the Flagler Beach Police Department for over 32 years, including the last 7.5 years as deputy chief. He brings a wealth of experience, having begun his career at the Daytona Beach Police Department and gaining significant community ties and support. Blanchette has received numerous letters of recommendation from local and regional law enforcement leaders, as well as the Flagler Beach Law Enforcement Police Union.
City Manager Dale Martin is leading the recruitment effort and has established an “oral board” to interview applicants without including law enforcement officials from adjoining counties to ensure impartiality. Martin aims to conduct interviews in early February and hopes to appoint a new chief by March. The Chief’s salary is projected to be between $92,716 and $152,982.
Among the applicants is Jon Bentivegna, a retired New Jersey State Police officer who seeks to relocate to Florida with his family, and Stephen Cole, a former division chief at the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office with extensive local experience. Other notable candidates include Justin Click from Illinois and Chief Pedro Delgado of West Miami, who is also a part-time Flagler Beach resident.
The search for the new police chief reflects the city’s commitment to finding a leader who understands the unique dynamics of the community and can effectively guide the department into the future. As the process unfolds, residents and stakeholders remain hopeful that the new chief will bolster community safety and strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the public.