Eric Winstrom Officially Sworn In as Pensacola's New Police Chief

Pensacola, FL (Newsradio 92.3) -- Eric Winstrom was officially sworn in as Pensacola Police Chief on Wednesday morning. A ceremony was held at Pensacola City Hall, which was attended by officers, city leaders, community partners, and Winstrom's family.

Chief Judge John Simon of Florida's First Judicial Circuit administered the oath of office. Winstrom's wife Rachel — a former police officer herself — pinned the badge. Mayor D.C. Reeves presided over the ceremony and called choosing a police chief the single most consequential decision he can make as mayor.

Reeves highlighted one detail that drew particular attention — Winstrom passed the same fitness and qualification test required of every PPD officer before putting on the uniform. Reeves said that standard set the tone for what kind of chief Winstrom intends to be. He also praised Winstrom's interview process — saying it wasn't a recitation of credentials but a demonstration of true leadership perspective and a clear willingness to listen rather than arrive with mandates.

In his remarks Winstrom thanked the officers, command staff, and city administration — calling out former chiefs and colleagues who supported his transition into the role, including former Chief Kristin Brown, and former PPD Chief and now Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons. He honored the sixteen names on the fallen officer memorial outside PPD headquarters and said those officers are a constant reminder of the heroes the department is built on.

Winstrom pledged to build a culture of family inside the department — saying officers are expected to treat every member of the public the way they would want their own family treated. He also recognized the Gulf Coast Kids House as a key community partner and said successful policing requires standing beside the community beyond just law enforcement.

Winstrom — who came to Pensacola from the Grand Rapids, Michigan Police Department — said his first impression of the city was how genuinely welcoming the department and the community were. He said something special is happening in Pensacola and that his family is honored to be part of it.