FSU Welcomes Jason Trumbower as New Chief of Police: A New Era Begins!

FSU Welcomes Jason Trumbower as New Chief of Police: A New Era Begins!

In a significant transition for campus safety at Florida State University (FSU), Jason Trumbower was officially sworn in as the new Chief of Police during a ceremony at Dodd Hall on August 12, 2025. With a robust 26-year background in the FSU Police Department, Trumbower had been serving as the interim chief since January 2025 and had held the interim deputy chief position in the 11 months prior. He is an FSU alumnus, graduating in 1998 with a degree in criminology and has strong ties to the university’s athletics, having played football under the legendary Coach Bobby Bowden in the mid-90s.

The swearing-in ceremony, which brought together local law enforcement and officials including Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey and Leon County Superintendent of Schools Rocky Hanna, underscored the respect Trumbower commands within the community. FSU President Richard McCullough noted Trumbower’s calm leadership during a tragic campus incident in April 2025, highlighting his ability to handle complex situations with compassion. In an environment filled with high expectations, Assistant Vice President for Public Safety Barbara O’Connor emphasized the need for Trumbower to continue building strong relationships and utilizing modern technology to maintain a high standard of professionalism within the department.

Enhancing Pedestrian Safety

Under Trumbower’s leadership, the FSU Police Department launched an essential initiative to tackle pedestrian safety on campus, titled „Heads Up.“ This campaign, which began at the start of the 2024-2025 academic year, aims to promote awareness among students and drivers alike. Following the tragic death of FSU student Elizabeth „Ellie“ Sims in a hit-and-run incident at a crosswalk in April, the urgency for better safety measures became even clearer. City Commissioner Jack Porter called for improved pedestrian protections soon after the incident, and the campaign reflects this community-driven response.

The campaign includes distributing fliers, engaging with students, and directing traffic, focusing on local traffic laws. Trumbower stated that the initiative will raise awareness about surroundings, particularly in light of several past accidents involving pedestrians. In collaboration with city engineers, FSU has incorporated new safety measures throughout the campus, including raised crosswalks and speed tables strategically placed at high-traffic areas. Precise installations on Pensacola and St. Augustine Streets, among others, aim to slow down vehicles, enhancing safety where foot traffic is significant.

• Pensacola Street: Four speed tables and three raised crosswalks; mobile speed detection trailer between Macomb and Copeland streets.
• St. Augustine Street: Six speed tables and one raised crosswalk between Varsity Drive and Copeland Street.
• Jefferson Street: Two speed tables on either side of the Lorene Street crosswalk.
• Additional installations: 11 solar-paneled speed limit signs and a mobile speed detection trailer to be stationed at various locations.

These changes come as the College Town area near FSU has experienced increased growth, with an influx of 10,000-15,000 students shifting it from a mere warehouse district to a bustling residential hub. With annual traffic on some local roads exceeding 16,000 vehicles per day, the need for enhanced safety measures is palpable. Students like FSU Senior Evelyn Kite have described their commutes as „chaotic,“ highlighting the distractions and dangers posed by the heavy traffic.

While the intention behind these new pedestrian safety initiatives is clear, they have raised some concerns about potential traffic congestion. Mixed reactions from drivers regarding the speed tables suggest that while some welcome the new safety-first approach, others worry about the implications for vehicle flow on busy campus routes. Nonetheless, as Trumbower noted, the strategic placement of all new measures has been coordinated with city planners to maximize their effectiveness.

As Florida State University navigates these changes in police leadership and community safety, the initiatives led by Trumbower signal a determined effort to weave safety into the fabric of campus life. The combination of experienced leadership and proactive measures is a promising step toward a safer environment for students, faculty, and visitors alike. For more information, read further on FSU News, Tallahassee.com, and WFSU.org.