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WHAT:
In May 2022, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer announced the appointment of Eric D. Smith as the new Chief of Police of the Orlando Police Department. On Wednesday, August 24th, the Orlando Police Department will hold the time-honored Change of Command Ceremony transitioning the department’s responsibility from Chief Orlando Rolón to Chief Smith.
The Change of Command is a traditional ceremony that will mark the public transition from one Chief to the next. It marks a pivotal moment in Orlando’s history as Chief Smith is sworn in as the 40th Chief of Police for the City of Orlando.
As the newly appointed Police Chief, Chief Smith will oversee the day-to-day operations of the department, and serve as chief counsel to the Mayor on matters of public safety. Chief Smith has been a member of the Orlando Police Department for more than 28 years and has worked in nearly every aspect of the department.
Orlando Mayor Dyer and Chief Smith will continue to ensure public safety is a top priority of the City of Orlando. Under this new leadership, the Orlando Police Department will continue to work diligently in reducing violent crime and expanding community engagement efforts, while ensuring every resident is equally protected and respected.
WHEN:
Wednesday, August 24, 2022
10:00 a.m.
Notable Times:
- 9:15 a.m. – Motorcade Arrival with Chief Smith and Chief Rolón
- This will be a video/photo opportunity for the arrival of the ceremonial motorcade, where specialized units and uniformed personnel welcome the incoming and outgoing Chiefs. The motorcade will start at OPD Headquarters and travel east on Anderson to the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Media should stage on the northwest corner of Woods Avenue and Anderson Street for the best views and as not to interfere with the procession.
- 9:30 a.m. – Media Arrival
- Media must arrive by 9:30 a.m. to set up. Please note, to access the event space, all guests, including media, will be required to go through security screening.
- 10 a.m. – Event Start Time
WHERE:
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
445 South Magnolia Avenue
Steinmetz Hall
For those who are not able to attend the Orlando Police Department Change of Command Ceremony, live and encore presentations will be available at orlando.gov/policechangeofcommand.
PARKING:
MEDIA PARKING:
Media must have credentials to access the designated media parking area, which will be in the Magnolia Avenue street closure in front of the Dr. Phillips Center between Anderson and South Street. For parking, media must enter Magnolia Avenue from Anderson Street.
ATTENDEE PARKING:
Complimentary parking will be available in the City Commons Parking Garage on Boone Avenue between Anderson Street and South Street. Attendees will need to bring their parking ticket to the event for validation.
OTHER MEDIA LOGISTICS:
- Media RSVP
- Media wishing to cover this event and arrange interviews, must coordinate in advance with the City of Orlando Public Information Officer, Ashley Papagni, at Ashley.Papagni@orlando.gov by 5 p.m. Tuesday, August 23.
- Live Broadcasts
- For media to broadcast live, portable broadband/cellular backpacks are recommended equipment as cabling options will not be available.
- Media Interviews
- Immediately following the ceremony, media will have the opportunity to interview Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and new Police Chief Eric D. Smith.
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