On January 6, 2026, the city of Bartow, Florida, made a significant move in strengthening its law enforcement leadership by appointing two new Deputy Chiefs for the Bartow Police Department: Kyle Dowdy and Darrell Wilson. This decision came after a national recruitment effort that attracted 35 applicants from 15 states, reflecting the city’s commitment to finding highly qualified candidates for these pivotal roles.
The selection process was thorough and included a Police Chief Search Committee that evaluated semifinalists through questionnaires and video interviews. Candidates were interviewed by panels consisting of citizens, department employees, external law enforcement officials, and city leadership. This collaborative approach aimed to ensure that the best candidates were chosen for advancing community policing and departmental effectiveness.
Meet the Deputy Chiefs
Kyle Dowdy, a decorated military veteran from New Mexico, has an extensive background in law enforcement. Before joining Bartow, he served as Deputy Chief for the Farmington Police Department, where he held various roles including Patrol Division, SWAT, Narcotics, and Internal Affairs. Dowdy holds two Master’s degrees—one in Criminal Justice Administration from New Mexico State University and another in Security Studies from the Naval Postgraduate School. He also has graduate certificates in History and Criminal Justice Education, making him well-equipped to lead the Neighborhood Services Bureau, which includes units like the Uniformed Patrol and SWAT.
Darrell Wilson, a Bartow native, has been a dedicated member of the law enforcement community since 1993. He most recently served as Bureau Chief for the Bureau of Fire, Arson, and Explosives Investigations at the Florida Department of Financial Services. Wilson’s impressive career includes over 15 years at the Plant City Police Department, where he rose to the rank of Captain. He will oversee the Support Services Bureau, which includes the Criminal Investigations Division and the Emergency Communications Center. Wilson holds a Master of Science in Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management from Warner University.
Community-Oriented Leadership
Both Deputy Chiefs will officially start their roles on January 26, 2026, and will be formally sworn in during a ceremony at Bartow City Hall on January 29 at 3:00 p.m. The selection of Dowdy and Wilson aligns with Bartow’s commitment to enhancing community engagement, crime reduction, and officer mentoring. City Manager Mike Herr praised the selection process, noting that it effectively identified leaders with the experience necessary to guide the department forward.
As both candidates complete their prescreening in accordance with Florida Department of Law Enforcement standards, the community eagerly anticipates their contributions to public safety and community relations. Bartow Police Chief Stephen Walker emphasized that both appointees are dedicated to fostering strong ties with the community they serve.
For more information on this development, you can read the full announcement here and explore additional details about their backgrounds here.