OPA-LOCKA, FLA. (WSVN) - The City of Opa-Locka named a familiar face as its new police chief.
Scott Israel was announced as the new police chief at a news conference, Friday afternoon.
Israel made a brief statement and did not take any questions from reporters.
“It is a true honor. The Bible tells us that with authority comes responsibility, and I look so forward to the opportunities to becoming one team with the citizens of Opa-Locka,” said Israel.
The acting city manager, Darvin Williams answered for him.
“I think he wants to, from what he shared to me, prove himself as of what he is capable of doing, proving his record, and letting that be a capstone for a career,” said Williams.
This is a controversial pick as Israel was removed from leading the Broward Sheriff’s Office following the response to the Marjory Stoneman Douglas’ school shooting in 2018.
The mass shooting left 17 people dead.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis removed Israel from his post, after being a BSO sheriff for six years.
Israel also served as the police chief of North Bay Village. Prior to that, he spent 25 years at the Fort Lauderdale Police Department.
He held several roles while on the force such as head of the SWAT team and captain of community policing.
“I will work very hard, very honorably and together with the citizens of Opa-Locka, we will do great thing,” said Israel.
Chief Israel will begin his new position on Monday.
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