Pembroke Park police chief suddenly fired during city commission meeting

PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. – Pembroke Park Police Chief David Howard was fired from the force on Wednesday.

It’s was a sudden termination that came less than a year since the start-up department was launched.

The now-former chief said he learned of the possibility of his removal when he saw the commission agenda. The town manager made a motion to remove the chief without cause, and a majority of the commission agreed.

Local 10 News’ Bridgette Matter asked Howard what his plans were after being fired.

ā€œGo to Disney World I guess,ā€ he said.

Howard was part of a brand new police department that launched late last year for the town of about 6,000 people.

He was asked if he knows why he was removed.

ā€œNo I don’t, but it’s OK, they can do whatever they want,ā€ he replied.

Things heated up following the removal of Howard between former mayor and current commission Geoffrey Jacobs and current Mayor Ashira Mohammed. Jacobs opposed the removal of Howard.

ā€œWe have one of the most successful police departments in Broward County right now, our response times are 23 seconds to 3 minutes, and 100% of our calls get answered,ā€ said Jacobs.

A reason for Howard’s removal was not discussed in the meeting, only that they wanted to go in a different direction.

There is an interim chief that will be appointed, and the police chief job will be posted.


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