FLORIDA — Brian Smith has been appointed as the new director of the Division of Law Enforcement at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the FWC has announced.
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In his new role, Smith will oversee the activities of more than 1,000 employees dedicated to protecting Florida’s natural resources and ensuring public safety on state lands and waters.
“I know Colonel Smith will continue the fantastic leadership Executive Director Young began and take it to the next level,” said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto.
“The relationships he has built combined with his vision for the future can lead to nothing but success for not only the Division of Law Enforcement but the agency as a whole.”
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Smith was born and raised in Tampa. After graduating high school, he joined the army and was assigned to the 3rd Ranger Battalion of the 75th Ranger Regiment. In 1995, he fulfilled his commitment to his country and returned to Tampa where he began his law enforcement career with the Game and Freshwater Fish Commission, the FWC said.
As an officer, he worked in Collier, Manatee, and Sarasota counties before moving to the FWC training center in 2004.
During his 28 years of service, Smith has served as a captain over professional standards and policy and a major over captive wildlife. He served as a lieutenant colonel over conservation initiatives, rule development, south operations, training, captive wildlife, boating and waterways.
Smith is a graduate of the National Association of Conservation Law Enforcement Academy, FDLE Chief Executive Seminar and FDLE Future Studies Group.
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“Colonel Smith’s years of experience and comprehensive knowledge and passion for FWC’s complex and important purpose made him the obvious choice to lead us into the future,” said Executive Director Roger Young.
Smith said, “Growing up hunting and fishing with my father and childhood friends, I developed a love for the outdoors and the fish and wildlife resources of Florida. My career with the FWC has been incredibly fulfilling and I am truly honored to be the next colonel for the FWC, serving the men and women of the Division of Law Enforcement and people of this great state.”
