Bartow, FL – January 21, 2026 – The City of Bartow Police Department has
selected seven individuals to serve on a newly created Bartow Police Citizen
Advisory Board. Following the announcement of the formation of the Board in
November, the City solicited applications for approximately one month. In
accordance with Florida Statute 166.0486, which governs the establishment of
such boards, Police Chief Stephen Walker selected seven individuals – six
citizens, as well as a retired Lakeland Police Officer – to serve as the first
members of Citizen Advisory Board. They are:
- David Bagnell – Duke Energy
- Ryan Cellucci – Coca-Cola Beverages Florida
- Jessica Correll – MidFlorida Credit Union
- Walter Dennis – Retired Law Enforcement Representative
- Linda Holcomb – Main Street Bartow
- Alvin Smith – Retired
- Marie Wilmot – Florida Polytechnic University
The Bartow Police Citizen Advisory Board was created to assist in building
positive relationships between citizens in our community and law enforcement
officers.
“To achieve this mission,” said Chief Walker, “the Board will support an
interactive process in which the concerns of citizens and the police
department can be discussed, in order to enhance the partnership between the
citizens and the police and improve the overall quality of life within the
City of Bartow.”
Walker added that the purpose of the board is to review and provide
understanding of Department Policies and Procedures as well as past
police/citizen interactions, explore new programs and processes, and assist in
building community understanding and support for the Department. The Board
also will provide insight into the community’s needs or concerns.
Per the State Statute, the Board does not have the authority to investigate,
review, or otherwise participate in matters involving specific police
personnel or specific police-related incidents.
Members of the Bartow Police Citizen Advisory Board will serve two-year terms,
with a maximum of eight years, and each member shall serve until a successor
is duly appointed and qualified. Their first meeting will be on Feb. 5.
SOURCE: BARTOW POLICE DEPARTMENT
