Three new police officers took the oath of office to the serve the City of Fruitland Park on Thursday night.
Tim Ross, John Simone and Frank Carroll were sworn in at the regular City Commission meeting and then given a round of applause by those in attendance. The three officers were hired to fill two open positions and one new one.
Interim Police Chief Erik Luce called it a great day for the department and said he felt like he “hit the lottery” with the new officers.
“We are very excited to grow alongside of our community,” he said. “Our goal has always been to provide our citizens with excellent public safety services.”
Ross comes to Fruitland Park after serving more than 20 years with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. Simone brings 15-plus years of experience from serving with the Eatonville Police Department. And Carroll is an Army veteran starting his first law enforcement job, Luce said.
Mayor Chris Cheshire said he’s thrilled to have such qualified officers joining the police force.”
“I’m glad to have these officers wanting to protect our city,” he said. “Our prayers will be with them as they watch out for our residents.”
