Sunrise taps former Marine as new police chief for 2018

By SUSANNAH BRYAN | sbryan@sunsentinel.com | South Florida Sun Sentinel

PUBLISHED: October 12, 2017 at 6:20 p.m. | UPDATED: June 2, 2018 at 3:47 a.m.

A new top cop in Sunrise will take the helm next year: Maj. Tony Rosa, a former U.S. Marine who
joined the force 20 years ago.

Rosa, 45, will step into his new role when Sunrise Police Chief John Brooks retires on Jan. 5. As chief,
Rosa will oversee 191 officers, 49 civilians and a budget of $47 million.

“I recognize the responsibility you just bestowed on me,” he told commissioners Thursday after being
tapped for the job. “My intention is to maintain the very high level of professionalism and accountability
we exhibit in the police department.”

Rosa beat out two other candidates — Deputy Chief Gerry Eddy and Maj. Rogelio Torres — for his
attention to detail, his candor and his belief that police should be guardians, not warriors,
commissioners said.

“I believe leaders should have the ability to motivate and to get people to buy into their philosophy,”
Commissioner Mark Douglas said. “He’s young enough to run these streets night and day for the next 20
years. I see him as the future of this department.”

Mayor Mike Ryan and Commissioner Joey Scuotto initially voted for Torres but later switched to Rosa to
make the decision unanimous.

“We have a young department,” Scuotto said. “If this is the future, let’s embrace it.”
Both Rosa and Brooks, chief for the past 10 years, got a round of applause from a packed commission
chambers.

“I think I’m leaving the Sunrise Police Department in great shape,” Brooks told the Sun Sentinel. “It’s
been a pleasure of mine to serve.”

The commission appointed the mayor to work with staff to negotiate Rosa’s salary and contract.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/broward/fl-sb-new-police-chief-sunrise-20171012-story.html