Anne Starling was sworn in as chief of the Dade City Police Department during the commission meeting, where city officials, family and former colleagues gathered for the ceremonial oath.

Starling, who took the oath of office during the Aug. 1 meeting, brings more than 21 years of law enforcement experience to Dade City. City presenters said Starling began her career in 2004 with the Largo Police Department and has worked as a patrol officer, field-training officer, traffic homicide investigator, honor guard member and SWAT commander. The commission noted she holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and a master’s degree in law enforcement administration from the University of South Florida and has completed executive leadership training at Northwestern University and the FBI LEEDA Academy.

Jeannie Germain, president of the Dade City Police Foundation, presented Starling with a small gift card on behalf of the foundation and welcomed her to the community. Family members Skyler and Ridge pinned Starling’s badge during the ceremony. Starling thanked the department, the Dade City community and her family and said she was honored to be the first woman to serve as the city’s police chief.

The ceremony included brief remarks from city officials and an acknowledgment of support from Starling’s former colleagues from the Largo Police Department. City staff and the commission expressed optimism that Starling will prioritize community trust and officer well‑being as she takes up the post.

The event concluded with a photo opportunity and brief staff comments that the department and city administration look forward to working with the new chief.