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Jennifer Frank sworn in as Milton police chief during National Police Week ceremony
Summary
Jennifer Frank took the oath of office before city leaders and family May 13, marking a ceremonial start to her tenure as Milton police chief; Frank emphasized community-focused policing during brief remarks.
Chief Jennifer Frank was sworn in as police chief of Milton, Florida, during a May 13 ceremony at Milton City Hall, a civic event timed to coincide with National Police Week.
Frank took the oath of office administered by the mayor and repeated the oath’s pledge to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States and of the State of Florida” and to “faithfully perform all the duties of chief of police.” The mayor said the oath was administered on a family heirloom — “her grandfather’s bible” — noted in the ceremony.
The mayor opened the event by praising Frank’s early community outreach and law enforcement background, saying she had “hit the ground running” by joining local youth on basketball courts, supporting survivors at community walks, promoting bicycle safety and visiting NAS Whiting Field. Mayor remarks also noted Frank’s prior career as a high school social studies teacher and a 2010s governor’s citation for bravery in New Hampshire after disarming a student who brought a loaded handgun to class.
Chief Frank thanked officers, dispatchers and records staff and said she felt “already part of a family” after three weeks in the department. “We are committed to serve you with honor, with transparency, with accountability,” Frank said. She emphasized enforcement balanced with compassion: “We recognize that every single person in our community is a part of that fabric of the community, whether you made a good choice or a bad choice at that moment.”
The ceremony included a badge pinning and family photos; Samuel Frank, identified during the event as Chief Frank’s husband, attended. Members of the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office and Milton Police Department were present and were invited to join the celebration.
The oath and badge pinning were ceremonial actions; no council vote was recorded as part of the swearing-in.
Residents and council members then recessed to a reception before the evening work session and council meeting.
Frank’s oath and remarks were part of a public ceremony rather than a council confirmation vote; the council later proceeded with its regularly scheduled work session and meeting agenda.
