TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — The capital city officially has a new top cop.
The Tallahassee City Manager Reese Goad named Antonio Gilliam as Tallahassee Police Department's new police chief Wednesday afternoon at their commission meeting.
Antonio Gilliam is a native of Tallahassee, who moved away for other policing opportunities.
The city says Gilliam was the first choice for the post among three qualified finalists after a lengthy search, interview, and selection process.
“I have strong confidence that Chief Gilliam will demonstrate his commitment and expertise by immediately engaging with the community to address violent crime, specifically gun violence involving our youth,” Goad said. “He grew up on the Southside, so he has firsthand knowledge of our community – because it’s his hometown.”
He officially starts his new position on January 6, 2020.
Congrats to our incoming Police Chief, Antonio Gilliam. Our city needs bold leadership that is responsive to our neighborhoods and I feel confident he will bring it. https://t.co/2uF7yfPBwP
— Jeremy Matlow (@JeremyMatlowTLH) December 4, 2019
Chief Gilliam is a native of Tallahassee, who graduated from Rickards High School and earned a criminology degree from Florida State University, joined the St. Petersburg Police Department in 2001 where he began is career as a patrol officer and worked his way up to Assistant Chief of Police.
“I am deeply humbled and honored by the opportunity to come back to my beloved hometown to serve as Chief of Police in Tallahassee and to work alongside the dedicated men and women of TPD,” Gilliam said. “We will diligently join with all segments of the community to enhance public safety and the peaceful quality of life in our Capital City.”
He started as a patrol officer and later became an undercover vice and narcotics detective. He became a sergeant in 2008, was promoted to lieutenant in 2010 and then major in 2015 before taking the Assistant Chief helm in 2018.
Gilliam will take over on the heels of former TPD Police Chief Michael DeLeo's exit. DeLeo resigned after spending six years at the helm of TPD.
The city has been looking for its Chief since July.
Controversy even plagued the search when a county commissioner revealed that one of the top three candidates killed a black man 23 years ago.
Linda Roberts Wife of a retired TPD officer, has been following the search. She is glad the city has made a decision.
"I didn't really have a preference about who the city chose, but I am so grateful that we have a police chief and now we can move forward," said Roberts.
People waiting to see what Gilliam can do to help the different demographics.
"I mean we're very excited to have the position filled. For me and my industry working with seniors their safety is paramount so we've got some big dreams for him," said Robin Wakefield.
But not everyone is happy about the decision. One viewer wrote on ABC 27's Facebook page:
"Well let's see how he does. Not my choice but I'll keep an open mind."
Incoming Chief Gilliam wasn't at Wednesday's announcement, but in a statement, said:
"I am deeply humbled and honored by the opportunity to come back to my beloved hometown to serve as Chief of Police in Tallahassee and to work alongside the dedicated men and women of TPD."
And some community members are ready to welcome is him home to the tough task ahead.
"I just hope the best for you and all the men and women that work with you," said Wakefield.
