City of West Palm Beach Police Chief Announces Retirement
Oct 01, 2011 - Mayor's Office, Police/Crime Prevention
City of West Palm Beach Police Chief Delsa Bush submitted a letter today notifying Mayor Jeri Muoio that she would retire effective January 1, 2012. Chief Bush recently announced that she intended to retire and that she would finalize her plans and present them to the Mayor in October.
The letter thanks Mayor Muoio for her support and praises the officers under her command, “Please know that the West Palm Beach Police department is one of the most highly regarded in the nation. This fact can only be attributed to the fine men and women who work within the organization, both sworn and civilian.”
Mayor Muoio accepted the letter saying, “Chief Bush has served this community for many years. Her dedication to the people of West Palm Beach and to her officers has earned the admiration and respect from those she serves. I thank her for her many years of hard work.”
Chief Bush is a 28 year veteran of the force working her way up from officer to the position she currently holds. During her tenure she oversaw a double digit drop in crime and the establishment of many innovative policing programs.
Interim Assistant Chiefs Named at WPB Police Department
Sep 30, 2011 - Police/Crime Prevention
West Palm Beach Police Chief Delsa Bush has appointed Captain Bryan Kummerlen to the position of interim Assistant Chief assigned to the Field Operations Bureau effective October 2, 2011. Captain Kummerlen is a 24 year veteran of the department and currently serves as Captain of Patrol, Division 1.
Chief Bush has also appointed Captain Maria Santos-Olsen to the position of interim Assistant Chief assigned to the Investigative Services Bureau also effective October 2, 2011. Captain Santos-Olsen is a 27 veteran of the department and currently serves as Captain in the Criminal Investigations Division.
The appointments follow the recent retirement of Assistant Chief Dennis Crispo, a 30 year veteran of the department.
West Palm Beach CRA Gears Up for Exciting Year
Sep 28, 2011 - CRA
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (September 27, 2011) The West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) couldn’t be more excited about their upcoming projects. After nearly six years of redeveloping Northwood Village, the funky, eclectic area just two miles north of downtown West Palm Beach, the time has come for even more transformations and a focus on connecting that community with Pleasant City.
Among the projects is LOT 23, an art-centric neighborhood-scale artist colony. At build-out, the project will be comprised of two four-unit apartment buildings, and a studio space for artists to create their next masterpiece.
“We envision a diverse mix of artists utilizing the studio space, including artists who live off-site.” says CRA Project Manager Grace Joyce. “We want to see artists of all types including visual, ceramics, sculpture, poetry, music, dance and everything in between.” The studio space will also provide areas for smaller performances and events as well as a retail component.
A large part of the mission of this project is for artists to provide educational and outreach opportunities for the surrounding communities. To ensure the largest impact, the artist’s rent will be subsidized in exchange for a minimum number of community service hours on various projects where they will be utilizing their artistic talent to enhance community schools, events, businesses and neighborhood projects.
The CRA is currently working on the criteria for the artists. It is anticipated that classes for both children and adults will be held in the studio space and possibly outdoors on the site.
The CRA also owns three buildings adjacent to LOT 23 and are working on transforming those properties into a restaurant, open public space and an art gallery that many of the artists of LOT 23 will work in as part of their community service.
For more information about LOT 23 and other CRA projects, please visit www.wpbcra.org or contact Kate Volman at kvolman@wpb.org or (561) 822-1551.
City and FPL Lights Coleman Park Neighborhood
Sep 20, 2011 - Parks and Recreation
The City of West Palm Beach and Florida Power and Light will provide street lighting to targeted areas of Coleman Park.
Following meetings with neighborhood leaders, city staff developed a lighting plan consistent with the improvement plan and revitalization of the historic area. New lighting will be installed and some existing lighting will be moved to provide for a more effective system. FPL is providing the lights and their installation free of charge and the City will pay only for the electricity used.
Mayor Jeri Muoio supports the revitalization effort and this necessary improvement, “This new lighting not only enhances the look of the neighborhood in the evening it also is a deterrent to anyone who would attempt to break the law under the cover of darkness. As we continue the work in Coleman Park we will look for more opportunities that improve the quality of life and safety for those who call this community home.”
The City Commission passed the resolution No. 240-11 and work will begin shortly.
City Names New Fire Chief
Sep 08, 2011 - Fire Department, Mayor's Office
Carlos Cabrera becomes first Hispanic Chief in City’s History
West Palm Beach Mayor Jeri Muoio has appointed Assistant Chief Carlos Cabrera to the position of Fire Chief. The City Commission confirmed the appointment making Chief Cabrera the first Hispanic Fire chief in the city’s history.
Mayor Muoio selected Cabrera for his strong record of service and extensive experience, “Carlos has been with the department for over 20 years and has earned the respect of his coworkers and many in our community. He has been an outstanding firefighter and will be an outstanding Chief.”
Chief Cabrera says he will work hard to continue the tradition of excellence established by the department, “Photographs of past Chiefs hang on a wall in station number one. To be in their company and to have the opportunity to serve this community by leading a dedicated and professional team of men and women is a true honor.”
A brief biography of Chief Cabrera
Born in Chicago IL. Moved to West Palm Beach as a child in 1969.
Joined West Palm Beach Fire Department in 1989.
Promoted to EMS Lieutenant 2002. Promoted to Operations Captain 2004. Promoted to Battalion Chief in 2006. Promoted to Assistant Chief in 2009. Awards include: Firefighter of the Year 2005 and Paramedic of the Year 2005.
Graduate of PBCC Paramedic Program and State of Florida Paramedic since 1993. AS degree from PBCC in Emergency Medical Services 2009. Graduate of Leadership West Palm Beach program 2009
Married to Karin Cabrera for 29 Years. Three sons Christopher, David (wife Jennifer, Granddaughter Riley), and Scott (wife Ashley, Grandson Mason).
Memberships:
Palm Beach County Fire Chiefs Association
International Association of Fire Chiefs