Charlie Bird, Winter Haven Assistant City Manager of Public Safety is seeking residents of Winter Haven, who are over the age of 18, to participate in the 2026 Winter Haven Public Safety Leadership Council. The dates for the council will be held every other Tuesday evening beginning in January until mid-May 2026.
The Council will consist of approximately 20 members who will serve voluntarily and meet every other Tuesday from 6 – 9 p.m. with Asst. City Manager of Public Safety Charlie Bird, Police Chief Vance Monroe, Fire Chief Drew Neubrand, Safe Neighborhoods Director Tanya Ayers and Public Safety members for a total of ten meetings. The Council will begin in January 2026. Participants will be asked to complete assignments and provide feedback on Department operations.
Members of the Council will experience hands-on activities over the course of the ten weeks while gaining a much better understanding of what it takes to operate Municipal Police, Fire and Safe Neighborhoods (Code) Departments. Council members will participate in tours at the Polk County Jail book-in, Central County Jail and the Courthouse. Participants will be required to serve specified timeframes at the Sheriff’s Emergency Communications Center and complete a Ride-A-Long with both Police and Fire. Participants have proven to be a valuable community resource in advising on topics that affect the Department. All applicants will be required to have a background check conducted.
Those interested in serving on the Public Safety Leadership Council can request an application by calling 863-291-6178. Applications can also be obtained by going to the Department website at www.WinterHavenPD.com and clicking the Community Services link on the homepage or send an email to [email protected]. Applications must be submitted no later than January 5, 2026 to be considered for the upcoming council. Citizens awarded the opportunity to serve will be notified no later than January 9, 2026 in order to make plans for the meeting dates. A listing of meeting dates will be sent along with the application.
For more information, contact Jamie Brown at 863-291-6178 or email [email protected].
