Panama City Police Chief Scott Ervin has announced he will retire on July 16, 2021 after a 22-year career with the department.
Chief Ervin joined the department as a police officer in July of 1999 after serving six years with other law enforcement agencies in Bay County. He moved quickly through the ranks in various supervisory roles before becoming Deputy Chief in 2011. He was promoted to acting chief in 2012 and named Chief of Police in February of 2013.
His wife Shawna and son Cole have fully supported his law enforcement career as he served in the Traffic Unit, Field Services, Community Services, Professional Services and Investigative Services within the department.
“My fellow Commissioners and I have consistently held the highest degree of trust and confidence in Chief Ervin,” said Mayor Greg Brudnicki. “We are grateful to him and his family for all they have given in sacrifice and support to our community.”
Chief Ervin serves as an Adjunct Professor for Florida State University Panama City and is currently pursuing his Doctorate in Criminal Justice with a cognate in Homeland Security from Liberty University.
Active within the community, Chief Ervin is the Chair of the Gulf Coast Sexual Assault Program, serves as a board member of the Gulf Coast Children's Advocacy Center and a member of Rotary. He is a founding member with the Florida League of Cities Law Enforcement Advisory Panel. He is also a member of the Florida Police Chiefs Association, serving on the legislative committee as well as the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
“I am proud to have served alongside Chief Ervin and recognize him for his selfless service, dedication and commitment in serving and protecting the citizens of Panama City,” said City Manager Mark McQueen. “Scott is an extraordinary leader with nine years as Chief of Police resulting in the department recently achieving Excelsior Recognition through the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation. The safety and security of our community is remarkably the better because of Chief Ervin’s vision and leadership.”
McQueen will name an Interim Chief of Police in the coming days. Deputy Chief Paul Powell and Deputy Chief Mark Smith will run the day-to-day operation of the department until an Interim Chief is named.
Chief Ervin will be recognized for his distinguished career of service at the Panama City Commission Meeting on July 13, 2021.
