ST. CLOUD, Fla. — The St. Cloud Police Department has announced the promotion of Denise Roberts to the rank of Deputy Chief, making her the first woman in department history to hold the position and marking a milestone in a career that has spanned more than two decades of service to the community.
Roberts, who joined the department in 2001, has risen through every sworn rank, most recently serving as Captain. She steps into the role previously held by Deputy Chief Kirk Zilke, who retired in December.
“Denise Roberts embodies the integrity, vision, and collaborative spirit necessary to lead our department into the future,” said Police Chief Douglas Goerke. “Her deep roots in this community and her mastery of modern police operations make her the ideal choice for Deputy Chief.”
Throughout her tenure, Roberts has led multiple divisions, including Patrol Operations, Special Operations, and Criminal Investigations. Her leadership has been closely tied to the department’s modernization efforts, including oversight of the Real-Time Crime Center and the successful 2025 launch of the Drone as First Responder (DFR) program — an initiative designed to enhance rapid response and situational awareness for officers in the field.
Roberts has also played a key role in high-risk incident command operations, cold case resolutions, and the integration of advanced Axon technology platforms, along with virtual reality-based training for officers.
A bilingual leader fluent in English and Spanish, Roberts holds a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice Law Enforcement Administration and is a graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy.
“I am honored to serve the St. Cloud community in this new capacity,” Roberts said. “My focus remains on fostering a culture of wellness and professionalism within our ranks while ensuring our city remains one of the safest in the state through innovation and strong community partnerships.”
In addition to her operational accomplishments, Roberts is widely recognized for her dedication to officer development and mentorship. Her leadership philosophy emphasizes strategic planning, fiscal responsibility, and investing in the next generation of law enforcement professionals.
City officials say her promotion reflects not only her experience and qualifications, but also the department’s continued commitment to forward-thinking, community-centered policing as St. Cloud continues to grow.
