Largo Grad Named Clearwater Chief

The Clearwater Police Department has a new chief, but he’s no rookie when it comes to knowing the city’s issues.

Daniel Slaughter, 44, was announced today as the department’s new leader following the departure of Chief Tony Holloway to head up St. Petersburg’s force.

“Dan Slaughter meets all the criteria that we are looking for and need in a Police Chief,” City Manager Bill Horne was quoted in a press release as saying. “He is a highly competent police professional with the appropriate education credentials, field experience, and respect and support
from his peers, subordinates, police unions, city department directors, neighborhood leaders and the Tampa Bay law enforcement community.”

Slaughter is a veteran with the Clearwater agency, having served since October 1992. He most recently served as the major over the department’s patrol division and supervised about 171 officers and three dozen civilians in that capacity.

“I am fortunate to inherit an organization that benefits from a strong, positive relationship with the community and is staffed with skilled and committed officers supported by a professional civilian staff,” Slaughter was quoted in the release as saying. “The future will still bring challenges and I look forward to effectively addressing those challenges and building on this agency’s well-deserved reputation for being a leader in community policing.”

Slaughter graduated from Largo High School and the University of South Florida. He will earn $123,000 in his new post. He will be officially sworn in during the Aug. 7 City Council meeting at 6 p.m.

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