Sheriff Michael J. Chitwood Bio

Personal

• Born November 1963 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Second-generation law enforcement officer
• Three grown daughters, three grandchildren

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management, Eastern University of Pennsylvania (2005)
• Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice, NOVA Southeastern University (2008)

Employment

• Elected Sheriff of Volusia County in August 2016. Sworn in Jan. 3, 2017. Re-elected without opposition in August 2020
• Police Chief, Daytona Beach Police Department (May 30, 2006-November 11, 2016)
• Police Chief, Shawnee, Oklahoma (May 1, 2005-May 23, 2006)
• Philadelphia Police Department (November 1988-May 2005); worked in the patrol, tactical, narcotics and detective divisions; rose to the rank of Lieutenant and was the recipient of 58 official commendations for valor, bravery, heroism and merit

Professional Training

• Graduate of the Philadelphia Police Academy
• Graduate of the 204th session of the FBI National Academy, Quantico, VA (2001)
• Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command (1999)

Professional Involvement

• Board of Directors, Police Executive Research Forum
• Member of the International Association of Police Chiefs
• Member of the Volusia/Flagler Police Chiefs Association
• Adjunct professor, University of Central Florida