FORT PIERCE — City officials provided an update at the Jan. 5 City Council meeting on the hiring process for Fort Pierce’s next police chief, saying contract negotiations with David M. Smith are nearing completion and that he is expected to begin the job in early February.
Smith was selected by City Manager Richard D. Chess to lead the Fort Pierce Police Department following a national search that included seven finalists, two of them internal candidates. He brings 24 years of law enforcement experience and most recently served as commander of Eastern District Operations in Prince William County, Virginia.
Human Resources Manager Jared Sorensen told council members the city and Smith have reached agreement on the contract terms and are in the final stages of review…