The city of St. Cloud’s new chief of police is Peter S. Gauntlett, who is tentatively scheduled to report for duty March 22.

The police chief position opened Jan. 4 and closed Feb. 15 after Police Chief Darryl Holliday retired Jan. 18 with 22 years of service to the city. After a review process by the Human Resources staff, 41 applicants were narrowed down to eight individuals for interviews and three final candidates were selected for a second round of interviews.

The two other finalists were: Bradley Margeson, of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, and Eugenio Bernal, of the Orlando Police Department. 

“We had an exceptionally qualified group of applicants,” City Manager Tom Hurt said. “Gauntlett has an impressive record and extensive law enforcement experience. I am confident he will be committed to providing the highest quality of service to St. Cloud residents and provide excellent leadership to his department’s sworn officers and civilian personnel.”

Gauntlett has nearly 28 years of law enforcement experience. He last served as Regional Domestic Security Task Force consultant with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement from January 2008 to May 2009. Previously, he served with the Orlando Police Department from 1981 to 2008, including duties as deputy chief of police from 2003 to 2008.

“I am honored and it is my intention to serve the city with great honor and integrity,” Gauntlett said. “I take this task very seriously and I look forward to working with the professionals at the St. Cloud Police Department and the city and serving the community as the city’s new police chief.”

Gauntlett will lead a department of more than 140 officers and civilian personnel. Deputy Chief Vinny Shepard, who has served as interim police chief since Jan. 18, will continue his duties as deputy chief once Gauntlett reports for duty.