HAINES CITY, FL — The City of Haines City is pleased to announce the appointment of Joe
Halman as its new Public Safety Director. In this role, Director Halman will oversee operations for both the Haines City Police Department and the Haines City Fire Department, providing strategic leadership and coordination across the City’s public safety services. Director Halman brings more than four decades of public service experience to Haines City. He is a member of the Polk County Police Chiefs Association, the Juvenile Justice Community
Advisory Board, and the Polk County Board of County Commissioners Community Relations
Advisory Board. Throughout his career, Halman has received numerous recognitions, including being named one of the most influential African Americans in Polk County in 2012.
He has also received the P.A.V.E. Award from the Historic Pughsville Committee, an honorary doctorate degree from St. Thomas Christian College, induction into the Polk County School Hall of Fame, and the Warner Southern University Alumni Servant Award. Most recently, he was recognized as a 2026 Local Hero by the City of Winter Haven and received the 2026 Vernon McQueen Community Service Award from the Agricultural & Labor Program, Inc. (ALPI).
Director Halman retired from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office as Chief of the Department of
Law Enforcement, concluding a distinguished law enforcement career marked by leadership at the executive level. Following his retirement from the Sheriff’s Office, Halman served eight
years as Polk County Deputy County Manager, where he provided executive oversight of public safety operations, including coordination with law enforcement, fire rescue, and emergency management functions.
In addition to his public safety leadership, Director Halman is deeply involved in faith-based and community organizations. He is a member of the Polk County Interdenominational Ministerial
Alliance and the Winter Haven Interfaith Ministerial Alliance. He serves as senior pastor and founder of Greater Works Ministries of Winter Haven, Inc., overseer of Greater Works Ministries in Lakeland and Wauchula, treasurer of the Lakeland Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, and presiding prelate (bishop) of the United Fellowship of the World, Inc.
Director Halman holds a Doctorate Degree in Theology from Kingdom University, a Master of Arts in Ministerial Leadership from Southeastern University, a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management from Warner Southern College, and an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts from Saint Leo University. He is a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Academy (Session 206) and completed the Senior Management Institute for Police Executive Program on Strategic Management taught by Harvard University professors. He is also a graduate of the Certified Public Manager Program at Florida State University and attended the South Florida Baptist Theological Seminary. Halman proudly served six years in the U.S. Army and Florida National Guard and is a graduate of Leadership Lakeland Class XXXII, Leadership Polk Class XI, and Leadership Bartow Class XVIII.
“I am excited and honored for the opportunity to serve the citizens of Haines City,” said Director Halman. “After more than 40 years of public service with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the Polk County Board of County Commissioners, I look forward to continuing my commitment to public safety by working alongside the dedicated men and women of the Haines City Police and Fire Departments. Together, we will focus on collaboration, professionalism, and ensuring the safety and well-being of our community.”
“We are pleased to welcome a seasoned professional to our public safety operations,” said City Manager James Elensky. “We look forward to his leadership as he helps guide the continued development of both our police and fire departments.”
Director Halman will officially begin his service with the City of Haines City on Monday, February 2, 2026.
SOURCE: HAINES CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT
