The Town of Surfside has appointed Charles R. Press as its new Chief of Police. Press will lead the Surfside Police Department alongside Enrique “Henry” Doce, who will serve as the Town’s Deputy Chief of Police.
In his first statement to the Surfside community, Chief Press quoted President Dwight D. Eisenhower: “The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionable integrity.”
Chief Press brings more than 47 years of law enforcement experience to Surfside. He began his career with the Miami Beach Police Department, rising through the ranks to the position of Assistant Chief. Most recently, he served as Chief of Police for the Village of Key Biscayne for 17 years, where he also served as Interim Village Manager in his final six months before retirement.
Throughout his career, Chief Press has received more than 100 departmental and civilian commendations, including the Miami Beach Police Department’s prestigious “Officer of the Year” award. A respected leader and public servant, he is known for his commitment to community engagement and public safety.
In 2004, he founded The Chief Press Foundation, which has since raised tens of thousands of dollars to support underserved children and seniors in Liberty City. The foundation provides essentials such as school uniforms, supplies, food, and holiday gifts, ensuring that children can focus on their education without worrying about basic needs. This impactful work led the Village of Key Biscayne to designate Liberty City as its “Sister City.”
Chief Press holds an Associate of Arts degree from Miami Dade College and a Bachelor of Arts from Barry University. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy (205th Session) and the University of Louisville’s Southern Police Institute School of Command. His distinguished career has earned him induction into the Miami Dade College Hall of Fame (2009) and the State of Florida Law Enforcement Hall of Fame (2022).
Town Manager Mark Blumstein, who made the appointment, expressed full confidence in the new leadership team.
“We’re excited to welcome Chief Press to Surfside and are confident that his commitment to public safety and integrity will continue to elevate our Police Department,” Blumstein said.
This appointment reflects the Town’s ongoing investment in professional leadership and community trust.
Residents and stakeholders can contact Chief Press directly at [email protected].
Community members are invited to attend the swearing-in ceremony for Surfside’s new Chief of Police, Charles R. Press, at Town Hall, 9293 Harding Avenue. The ceremony's date and time to be announced.
Join the Town in welcoming Chief Press as he begins his service as Surfside’s new Chief of Police.