NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. – New Smyrna Beach police Chief Eric Feldman has announced his resignation, effective in 2025.
Feldman will step down on March 1, 2025, to accept a new career opportunity, according to a news release shared Thursday by the New Smyrna Beach Police Department.
The outgoing police chief wrote in an internal email that a culture of trust, respect, and mutual support built within the workforce during his nearly four years at the police department has become their hallmark.
“It’s evident in the way we rally around one another during tough times, our collective belief in ‘people first, mission always,’ and the shared commitment to living out our values every day. This culture didn’t happen by chance; it’s a testament to your hard work and dedication,” Feldman said in the message.
[EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE) | PINIT! Share your photos]
After beginning his career in law enforcement as a U.S. Border Patrol agent in 1997, Feldman rose through the ranks of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations, concluding that career as HSI attaché to the UK, Ireland, and Iceland, according to the release.
As the city of New Smyrna Beach works to identify Feldman’s successor, his final months at his post will be spent “ensuring continuity and leadership and finalizing ongoing initiatives,” the release states, adding he’s expressed a commitment to leave the police department in a strong position with confidence in the folks working there.
New Smyrna Beach City Manager Kevin Cowper congratulated Feldman on the new opportunity, wishing his family the best and kindly acknowledging his departure as a “huge loss.”
“Chief Feldman has overseen tremendous progress in in our Police Department and his departure is a huge loss to the City of New Smyrna Beach and our leadership team. He has certainly made an impact during his tenure, and he will be missed both personally and professionally,” Cowper said, in part.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: