Stone named Indian River Shores' acting public-safety director following Rosell's retirement

Janet Begley, Treasure Coast Newspapers
·2 min read

INDIAN RIVER SHORES — When the town’s longtime public-safety chief Rich Rosell decided to take an early retirement, Town Manager Jim Harpring knew he had the perfect person to fill the position.

Former Indian River County Emergency Services Director Tad Stone stepped out of retirement and agreed to become acting public safety director and chief. He will earn a $150,000 salary in his new position.

Harpring, the former county undersheriff, and Stone, 65, who retired in July after serving four years as county emergency services director, had worked together through several hurricanes and the COVID-19 pandemic. Stone has more than 47 years experience in the fire rescue, emergency management and 911 arena, including experience in Osceola and Seminole counties.

Both men said they were happy to be working together again, with Harpring adding he’s hopeful Stone will stay on for several years to provide continuity for the town’s Public Safety Department. This would allow the Town Council time to decide how to handle the public safety director position, Harpring said.

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Stone said he was glad Harpring reached out to ask if he was available."I'm certainly glad to be here," said Stone. "This is a great group of professionals and I am looking forward to working with them."

Continuing the level of service

In the short term, Stone said, his biggest priority is to make sure the Public Safety Department is handling its core responsibilities with the resources available. That includes providing police, fire and EMT services to residents and visitors, since all full-time officers are triple-certified.

Tad Stone was named acting public safety director and department chief in Indian River Shores. He will be paid a $150,000 salary.
Tad Stone was named acting public safety director and department chief in Indian River Shores. He will be paid a $150,000 salary.

Rosell ready for retirement

Rosell, 63, joined Indian River Shores as chief in 2015. He’s had 27 years of service with New Jersey State Police and with several other public safety agencies in New Jersey including the town of Dover and township of Springfield. He entered the police academy in 1981 and served in the Marine Corps, the New Jersey National Guard and the U.S. Army. He is a graduate of the FBI Academy and holds a doctorate degree from Drew University.

He ran unsuccessfully for sheriff in 2019.

Rosell said he is anxious to lead an active life in retirement, although he currently has a torn bicep that will require surgery. He is athletic, participates in martial arts and wants to take a shot completing a triathlon.

"But retirement is something I've been thinking about for a long time," said Rosell. "I've had some opportunities for a college professor gig, and I just didn't feel right about doing that while I was still working. And I'm starting to get some offers for consulting work, so the timing is just right."

Janet Begley is a local freelance writer for TCPalm.com. If you like articles like this and other TCPalm coverage of Treasure Coast news, please support our journalism and subscribe now.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Former Chief Rich Rosell Retires after 8 years.