Gainesville welcomes new police chief amid crime reduction success

The Gainesville Police Department celebrated a significant milestone as Nelson Moya was officially installed as the city's new Chief of Police during a ceremony held this evening. The event, attended by community members and city officials, marked Moya's transition from interim chief to the permanent position, following a national search that concluded on September 16, 2024.

Mayor of Gainesville expressed gratitude for Moya's leadership during his interim tenure, highlighting a notable reduction in gun violence in the community. The mayor noted that there have been no gun-related murders in Gainesville since May, attributing this success to the hard work of the police department and first responders.

Chief Moya, who immigrated to the United States from Ecuador at the age of nine, has an extensive background in law enforcement. His career began at the Palm Bay Police Department, where he rose through the ranks to become chief in 2019. Before his appointment in Gainesville, he served as deputy county executive for probation and juvenile intervention in Suffolk County, New York.

During his acceptance speech, Moya emphasized the importance of community collaboration in public safety and expressed his commitment to building trust and accountability within the police department. He acknowledged the support of his family and the sacrifices they made during his career transitions, underscoring the personal significance of the evening.

The ceremony concluded with a pledge of allegiance and a call for unity among city departments to enhance public safety efforts. The mayor and other officials expressed confidence in Moya's leadership, looking forward to his contributions to the Gainesville community.