Charles Thorpe sworn in as new police chief in Venice

Earle Kimel, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
·2 min read
With his wife Tammy holding the Bible and daughter Shelby looking on, Charles “Charlie” Thorpe is sworn in as Venice Police Chief by City Clerk Kelly Michaels during Tuesday's City Council meeting. Thorpe joined VPD as a captain in December 2018 after a 27-year career with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office.
With his wife Tammy holding the Bible and daughter Shelby looking on, Charles “Charlie” Thorpe is sworn in as Venice Police Chief by City Clerk Kelly Michaels during Tuesday's City Council meeting. Thorpe joined VPD as a captain in December 2018 after a 27-year career with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office.

VENICE – Charles Thorpe was sworn in as the new Venice police chief Tuesday, roughly four months after the City Council approved his hiring to succeed retired chief Tom Mattmuller.

Thorpe joined the Venice Police Department in December 2018 as a captain, the same rank he achieved with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, when he retired from there in 2017.

Earlier: Venice City Council may consider appointment of new police chief

Related: Retiring police chief looks back on 30 years of service

Thorpe, 54, had previously said that retirement wasn’t for him.

“I look around the room and I see a lot of faces that I’m just honored to see here today,” Thorpe said, then later added, “we’ve had a long ride of doing this business together.”

Tony Rosen, an Electrical Maintenance Technician with Public Works, is named the City of Venice 2021 Employee of the Year by City Manager Ed Lavallee during Tuesday's Council meeting, as Assistant City Manager James Clinch looks on.
Tony Rosen, an Electrical Maintenance Technician with Public Works, is named the City of Venice 2021 Employee of the Year by City Manager Ed Lavallee during Tuesday's Council meeting, as Assistant City Manager James Clinch looks on.

While City Manager Ed Lavallee technically hires the police chief, that hire requires City Council approval.

Prior to being tapped as chief Thorpe served as commander of the Venice Police patrol program.

While with the Sheriff’s Office, he worked in a variety of areas, including patrol, special operations, community policing, criminal investigations and intelligence.

Thorpe has a master’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration from the University of South Florida and started his law enforcement career in 1988 in his hometown of Urbana, Ohio.

He joined the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office in 1990.

Venice Police Department Sgt. Louis White is promoted to Police Lieutenant and sworn in during Tuesday's City Council meeting by City Clerk Kelly Michaels, with his wife Alicia at his side.
Venice Police Department Sgt. Louis White is promoted to Police Lieutenant and sworn in during Tuesday's City Council meeting by City Clerk Kelly Michaels, with his wife Alicia at his side.

In addition to Thorpe’s promotion, Venice Police Lt. Andrew Leisenring was promoted to captain and Sgt. Louis White was promoted to lieutenant.

Thorpe was sworn in by City Clerk Kelly Michaels, with his wife of 32 years, Tammy holding the Bible.

Thorpe said he was especially thankful for the service of all law enforcement officers he has served with over the years, who come into work each day.

“They just don’t know what’s next and I appreciate that they sign up and take care of business,” Thorpe said.

“I hope to serve this city for several years to come and I’m very grateful for this opportunity.”

In other news: Venice City Council to review project priority list before voters decide to extend sales tax

Subscribers: Manatee County's Amazon distribution center sells for $59.2 million

Venice Police Department Lt. Andy Leisenring is promoted to Police Captain and sworn in during Tuesday's City Council meeting by City Clerk Kelly Michaels. Capt. Leisenring's wife Melissa pinned on his badge under the watchful eyes of their daughters, Madison and Olivia.
Venice Police Department Lt. Andy Leisenring is promoted to Police Captain and sworn in during Tuesday's City Council meeting by City Clerk Kelly Michaels. Capt. Leisenring's wife Melissa pinned on his badge under the watchful eyes of their daughters, Madison and Olivia.

In other action

Also on Tuesday, the Venice City Council:

  • Honored Anthony J. Rosen, an electrical maintenance technician with the public works department as the 2021 Employee of the Year

  • Heard a presentation on Certified Local Governments from Mariah Justice, the certified local government coordinator for the Florida Department of State Division of Historical Resources.

  • Discussed a priority list for the local option sales tax referendum, which will be on the November ballot.

  • Approved an authorization for Mayor Ron Feinsod to sign a partnership funding agreement with Family Promise of South Sarasota County.

Earle Kimel primarily covers south Sarasota County for the Herald-Tribune and can be reached at earle.kimel@heraldtribune.com. Support local journalism with a digital subscription to the Herald-Tribune.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Venice Police Chief Charles Thorpe was officially sworn in