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Dugan Becomes Tampa Police Chief

Bob Buckhorn | Brian Dugan | Tampa

Brian Dugan has been with the Tampa Police Department since 1990, most recently as interim chief.

TAMPA – Mayor Bob Buckhorn appointed Interim Police Chief Brian Dugan to the position of police chief of the Tampa Police Department.

Dugan replaced Chief Eric Ward who retired in July.

“During his 27 year career, Brian has set the gold standard for what it means to be a Tampa police officer,” Buckhorn said Tuesday (Nov. 7). “When I appointed him to interim-chief, I knew he had what it takes to lead one of the best police departments in the country. I have watched very closely over the last few months as Brian has demonstrated steadfast leadership through two very significant events. Each of these situations would have tested the most experienced chief and Brian passed with flying colors.

“During Hurricane Irma, Brian worked around the clock to rally our troops and ensure the safety of our residents. Most recently, he’s led an all out manhunt to find the killer or killers in S.E. Seminole Heights all while ensuring the neighborhood that their safety is our top priority.

“This department has not missed a beat since Brian was appointed. I look forward to Brian’s continued leadership as chief and the department’s continued success as one of the best departments in America.”

Dugan said, “I’m thankful and humbled that Mayor Buckhorn trusted me with this responsibility of leading the department. The majority of the credit should go to the men and women who work the streets. I look forward to partnering with them to build relationships with the people that we serve and protect the community.”

Dugan has played several key roles in establishing the department’s reputation as a well-respected, highly professional organization.

Hired in 1990, he spent several years in the North Tampa district that encompasses Sulphur Springs, Seminole Heights and New Tampa. He has also worked in the Criminal Intelligence Bureau, Street Anti -Crime Unit, Quick Uniform Attack on Drugs Squad (QUAD), Internal Affairs Bureau, Mayor’s Security Detail, and as a Field Training Officer.  Dugan has served in every facet of the department at some point in his career, developing a diverse background of experience.

Dugan has served as an officer, detective, sergeant, lieutenant, captain, major, deputy chief, and assistant chief.  As the assistant chief he oversaw Special Operations, Criminal Investigations and the Special Support Division, and has taken primary responsibility for the Department’s $146 million budget.  He currently serves as co-chairman of the Tampa Urban Area Security Initiative, and serves on the board of directors for the Police Athletic League.  Earlier this year, Buckhorn named him interim chief to replace Ward.

Dugan earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from West Liberty University and a Master of Public Administration degree from Troy State University. He is a graduate of the prestigious Southern Police Institute’s Command Officers’ Development Course. In 2014 he attended the Senior Management Institute for Police.  He is a Leadership Tampa graduate and belongs to several professional associations, including the Tampa Bay Area Chiefs of Police Association, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives, and the Police Executive Research Forum. Dugan is married with two children.

He will be making $171,412 a year.

For information about the Tampa Police Department, go to tampagov.net.

Photo shows Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, left, with police Chief Brian Dugan. Photo courtesy of the city of Tampa.

Tampa Police | Brian Dugan | Bob Buckhorn | Eric Ward | Public Safety | Tampabay News

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