Veteran Officer Eric Gandy Named 14th Police Chief Of Clearwater

CLEARWATER, FL — A veteran police officer is coming out of retirement to assumed the role of Clearwater police chief following the resignation of longtime Police Chief Dan Slaughter to accept a position as a Clearwater assistant city manager.

Eric Gandy has been named the 14th chief of police of the Clearwater Police Department.

Gandy, 56, is the former deputy chief of the department who served as Clearwater's director of the marine and aviation department since 2022 before retiring after a 31-year career in law enforcement.

"I'm looking forward to leading a forward-thinking and highly regarded police department and the employees dedicated to public safety and the citizens we serve," he said. "For three decades, the city and department provided me with the opportunity and support necessary to develop and succeed. I'm committed to doing the same for CPD employees and our future leadership."

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Gandy's appointment was announced Wednesday by City Manager Jennifer Poirrier.

It will be effective July 29, and he will be sworn on July 31 at a city council work session.

"Eric's reputation in the law enforcement community, among city staff and our community makes him the ideal pick for chief of police," Poirrier said. "In his over 30 years of service in the police department and his most recent role as director of the marine and aviation department, Eric has demonstrated an affinity for problem-solving and giving attention to detail. His work ethic, experience and dedication will be a complement to an already-exemplary senior executive team."

Michael Walek has been serving as interim chief since Slaughter's retirement in May. Walek will return to his role as deputy chief.