TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — After nearly six years as Tallahassee's head cop, Chief Michael DeLeo is leaving in just a few weeks.
Major Steve Outlaw will take over the role as Interim Police Chief on July 6.
WTXL got the chance to talk to Major Outlaw about the new role. He says it was definitely a shock.
Just a week ago, Major Outlaw was telling everyone here what kind of cake he wanted for his retirement party. But when presented with the opportunity to postpone retirement and serve as the Interim Police Chief, the Major said it was an honor.
Major Outlaw has served as the Interim Police Chief whenever Chief DeLeo is out of town or on vacation. He's approaching 32 years with Tallahassee Police Department.
"My goal here is to really set the stage so that when the new Chief, the permanent Chief, arrives in several months, towards the end of the year, that everything is going to be up and running," said Major Outlaw. "We've made further advances. All they have to do is learn their agency, learn their community, and then they can enjoy the ride of their own career once here."
The City of Tallahassee is launching a nationwide search for the next permanent Chief.
