FORT PIERCE–A hometown law enforcement veteran who was among recent finalists for the chief’s position has been promoted to deputy chief of the Fort Pierce Police Department’s (FPPD) Community Policing Bureau.
As one of his first official acts, Chief David M. Smith elevated Caleb Gillette to the permanent position in February, citing Gillette’s ties to the community, demonstrated leadership and the respect he has within the department’s ranks.
Gillette joined the department in 2001, working his way up through the ranks, including a recent stint as acting deputy chief when staff was shifted following the May 2025 resignation of former chief Diane Hobley-Burney, after a rank-and-file vote of no confidence…