ORANGE PARK - As the Town of Orange Park's newest chief of police, Cody Monroe proclaimed on Tuesday that he would continue to lead with integrity and work tirelessly to keep the community as safe as possible.

With the help of his wife and young daughter, Monroe, formerly assistant police chief, was sworn in to his new role following a 5-0 vote by the town council. His appointment came after the retirement of longtime chief Randy Case, who served 28 years within the town. 

Monroe came highly recommended by not only his fellow officers at the Orange Park Police Department, but Interim Town Manager Gary Goble. As a former police chief himself, Goble said it was a great honor for it to be one of his first official acts in the new position.

Monroe was 19 years old when he first began working for the town as a deputy sergeant.  Since then, Monroe's career in the town has spanned 19 years, rising through multiple ranks and overseeing various key divisions, including investigations, SRO and evidence. He's led major initiatives including the town's body-worn camera program and active assailant policies.

Monroe also served as Clay County SWAT Team Leader and the agency's long-time Public Information Officer.

Art Hooker, an eight-year volunteer public information officer with the Orange Park Police Department, gave his stamp of approval. Hooker's first ride along in the town was with Monroe, who he said emitted a compassionate attitude for everyone in a way he had never seen before.

"He was a great advocate for the Town of Orange Park. A great representative not just to his badge and that department, but to this town," Hooker said. "Since that time, I've gotten to know Sgt. Monroe, Assistant Chief Monroe and now potentially Chief Monroe. And I can tell you it's the right decision to make."

A host of Monroe's family, friends and fellow officers filled the council chambers to watch him take the oath. Monroe remarked that it won't be easy to fill Case's shoes, but he will do the best he can.

"I've spent almost my entire adult life, as Interim Town Manager Goble said, serving and protecting the Town of Orange Park, which is why this opportunity means so much to me and why I care so deeply about the town. It is truly an honor of a lifetime."