Sandusky Sworn in As New Police Chief

ALACHUA ‒ Alachua Police Chief Jesse Sandusky was officially sworn in to his new position in a standing room only Commission Chamber at the Alachua City Commission meeting on Feb. 28. Members of the Alachua Police Department were present to show their support of the new chief. Also in attendance were current and former chiefs of the Alachua Sheriff’s Office (ASO), City of Alachua Police Department (APD) and the High Springs Police Department (HSPD).

Sandusky was promoted to the Chief of Police position on Tuesday, Feb. 1 after then Chief Chad Scott accepted a position with the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.

Sandusky began his career with the Alachua Police Department (APD) in 2003. He worked his way up through the ranks as a patrol officer, then to special teams traffic unit, then detective, sergeant, and lieutenant where he was the public information officer for the department.

At the request of Sandusky, his mother pinned the Chief's badge on him and Judge Susanne Wilson-Bullard officiated his swearing-in and administered the oath of office. Former APD Chief Chad Scott held the Bible Sandusky swore on.

In other business, the City Commission recognized the Santa Fe High School Lady Raider Volleyball program, which won the State Championship in Class 4A on Nov. 17. They finished the season 29-3, and at the end of the season were ranked second in the nation and first in Florida. This is not only the first Volleyball State Championship for Santa Fe High School, also the first-ever State Championship in any women’s sport at Santa Fe High School. Head Coach Eric Marshall, Assistant Coach Nicole Stout, Assistant Coach Kayla Hess, and most members of the team were in attendance for the presentation and to take a photograph with the Commission.

The Commission appointed four new members to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. The Board serves in an advisory role to the City Commission concerning recreation services and potential long-range capital improvements. They also evaluate existing programs, recommend changes and enhancements and promote and review citizen participation in utilizing city services and facilities. Carol Richardson was re-appointed to a three-year term and Travis White was appointed to a three-year term. Malcolm Dixon and Jovante Hayes were appointed to the one-year terms.

In other business, the City of Alachua will be waiting a while longer for its latest purchase of transformers. City staff solicited pricing and availability on 12 types of transformers from four different vendors for a total of 39 transformers at a cost of $617,234. Due to continuing supply chain issues, delivery of these transformers is anticipated to be between 12 and 39 weeks.

#     #     #

Email rcarson@

alachuatoday.com