Tampa Police Chief Eric Ward Sets Retirement

TAMPA, FL — After nearly 30 years with the Tampa Police Department, Chief Eric Ward is turning in his badge for a job in the private sector. Ward intends to go to work for Coca-Cola Beverages Florida in the next few weeks.

Ward, a 29-year veteran of the Tampa force, was in the agency’s deferred retirement option plan (DROP) with a set retirement date in 2018. The new position, however, prompted him to move the date up to later this month, the city announced in an email to media Thursday morning.

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"This has been an extremely difficult decision," Ward said in a statement. "I have spent virtually my entire adult life at the Tampa Police Department. This department and the people here have made me the person that I am today. I will always be grateful to Mayor Bob Buckhorn for the experiences and opportunities to serve the Tampa community as their Chief of Police."

Ward, who took over for former Chief Jane Castor in April 2015, said he is “leaving the department in excellent shape and in good hands.” He added that’s he’s looking forward to the next chapter in his life.

Buckhorn has promised to conduct a national search to find Ward’s replacement. In the meantime, Assistant Chief Brian Dugan will serve as interim chief.

"From his time as a young officer to the leadership he's provided to Tampa's finest, I can certainly speak for the entire City of Tampa staff when I say Eric's presence will be sorely missed," Buckhorn said. "His career and service to the City of Tampa has been impeccable at every turn and I am grateful for his years of service to the community and department he loves. The Tampa Police Department is better for his leadership and ready for its next chapter. We wish him all the best in his next endeavor."

Ward, 50, joined the Tampa Police Department in 1988.

Dugan has been with the department since 1990 and moved through the ranks to earn the title of deputy chief in 2014. He was named assistant chief in May 2015.

Photos courtesy of the Tampa police Department