The City of St. Cloud has named who will replace retiring Chief Pete Gauntlett as Police Chief. It will be Douglas Goerke, Patrol Division Commander for the Orlando Police Department.
Chief Peter Gauntlett, is retiring at the end of the year after serving as the city’s public safety director and police chief for the past 11 years. City Manager Bill Sturgeon announced the new chief during a luncheon Tuesday honoring Chief Gauntlett.
“Chief Gauntlett served our community well in his 11 years here,” Sturgeon said. “After a law enforcement career that spanned more than 40 years, he has certainly earned his retirement, and we wish him well.”
Goerke has been with OPD for 20 years, starting as an officer and working his way through the ranks. Before recently being assigned as Patrol Division commander, Goerke served for a year as the Director of Airport Police Services for OPD. He also was a deputy chief of police for a year.
“Chief Goerke has the experience, the training, the formal education, and the vision to guide our police department into strategic growth as the city grows,” Sturgeon said. “He will be able to help make sure that our officers are well-trained and well-equipped to ensure the safety of our citizens, and that they are treated with the utmost professionalism and respect.”
Goerke holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Liberty University and a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Administration from Columbia Southern University. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and holds numerous certifications in specialized law enforcement training. Chief Goerke will start his new role in January.
