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Sergeant William J. Lauginiger

I was on vacation, staying at a beautiful hotel on Fort Lauderdale beach, when I saw a Fort Lauderdale police officer standing in the lobby of the hotel working an off duty detail. I had just started to be interested in police work as a profession and I said to myself "wow, look at that officer, what a place to be a cop." Where I am from, Massachusetts, opportunities in law enforcement were limited. So, I decided to pack up my car, put my bank account in my pocket, and head to Florida with intentions of trying to become a Fort Lauderdale police officer. That was 21 years ago. January 7, 1980 I was in the Police Academy representing the City of Fort Lauderdale.

During my tenure as a Fort Lauderdale policeman, I have had the opportunity to serve in many capacities, including patrol both as an Officer and as a Field Training Officer. I was selected as one of the first members of the Department's newly formed Mounted Patrol Unit and I served as a Detective in our Organized Crime Bureau, now known as the Special Investigations Division, for ten years. As a Detective, I enjoyed assignments in Vice, Intelligence, and Street Narcotics. Promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 1995, I have worked in Patrol, Narcotics and in my present assignment as Detective Sergeant of the Juvenile Crimes Unit of the Criminal Investigations Division.

The City of Fort Lauderdale and its Police Department has provided the guidance and leadership that has allowed me to mature and develop, not only as a policeman, but also as a person.

E-mail Sergeant Lauginiger

Sergeant Mike Arbit

I have worked for the City of Fort Lauderdale Police Department for approximately 15 years. During those years, I have been involved in many different types of police activities including uniformed patrol, tactical patrol, street crimes unit, and the detective division.

I grew up in a small town where I worked for my home town police department. The work was exciting and useful, but I needed more. I wanted to work for an agency which could provide me with many types of opportunities for advancement and training.

I am currently assigned to the Criminal Investigation Division, where each detective has a specialty. The specialtys include: Auto Theft, Economic Crimes, Homicide, Violent Crimes, Narcotics, Juvenile, Special Victims, Burglary or General Duty. Each detective is involved in complicated investigations, which take time, patience and intelligence. These attributes are necessary to identify, apprehend and convict suspects. I have received extensive training and experience in auto theft, bomb/arson and economic crimes investigations. I may have been able to receive the same training with my hometown police department but I never would have been able to receive the experience I have with the Fort Lauderdale Police Department.

I also have an additional duty with the Special Operations Bomb Squad. We respond to 50-70 bomb related calls a year. Some are just suspicious objects, but some are highly sophisticated explosive devices. We work with county, state and federal agencies to investigate and apprehend those persons responsible for assembling, possessing and using those explosive devices.

Each bomb squad member is a certified bomb technician with additional specialty training in SWAT explosive breaching, underwater dive operations and HAZ-MAT operations.

During the years I have found the Fort Lauderdale Police Department to be an innovative, growing police department with members who have foresight into the future. The officers are helpful and friendly. This a place where small town values and integrity are the norm.

E-mail Sergeant Arbit

Detective Dominic C. Angiolillo
Bicycle Patrol

I have been employed by the Fort Lauderdale Police Department as a police officer since December of 1982. I was first assigned to the Bicycle Patrol in 1993 as a member of the Beach Special Problems Unit, a community-oriented policing squad. My first formal bicycle patrol training consisted of certification as a Police Cyclist from the International Police Mountain Bike Association (IPMBA). In 1995, I met all of the stringent requirements to become an IPMBA Police Cyclist Instructor. To date, I have taught over forty (40) IPMBA Police Cyclist Courses, both nationally and statewide. I was recently promoted by IPMBA to the rank of Police Cyclist Instructor Trainer. I serve as the Fort Lauderdale Police Department's Bicycle Patrol Coordinator and Lead Bicycle Instructor.

I feel fortunate that I can combine my occupation with a pastime, as I have become a recreational cyclist. I transferred out of the Beach Special Problems Unit to the Operations Bureau (Patrol Division), where I handle all of my calls from my patrol bike. Typically, I peddle approximately thirty miles per eight hour shift. Because of South Florida's sub-tropic climate, I have the luxury of patrolling via bicycle year-round. I believe that my bicycle patrol assignment allows me to maintain a level of health and fitness that I would not derive from patrolling in a police car. Indeed, my body weight and percentage of body fat are essentially the same as when I graduated from high school in 1974.

Retired Officer Ken Vande Steeg & Sir George
Mounted Patrol

I have been with the Fort Lauderdale Police Department since February 1988. I "accidentally" discovered Fort Lauderdale while employed by the Minneapolis Police Department, assigned to the Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force. On my first trip to Fort Lauderdale, the weather was a balmy 80 degrees, and sunny, compared to --28 degrees, cloudy and snowing in Minneapolis, MN. It was at this time that I had a decision to make. Would I rather shovel a foot of snow off the driveway every week or move to Florida and rake a few leaves in the fall?

After seventeen years of Law Enforcement in Minneapolis, Minnesota, I opted for the early retirement provision.

My wife and I discussed the benefits of relocating to Fort Lauderdale, and subsequently made the move. Since 1988, I have worked in all the districts of the city, but my current assignment is the most unique and rewarding. I am assigned to the mounted unit where I have a 1500 LB Hanavarian Partner named "Sir George". "Routine patrol" takes on a whole new meaning. Normally, it is a very positive interaction with the citizens of Fort Lauderdale. Not only are we highly visible while walking through alleys, we receive positive comments from most citizens requesting us to return to patrol their areas. We are routinely told that a mounted officer is much more approachable than an officer driving by in a marked police vehicle.

Because Fort Lauderdale is one of the premiere southeast vacation spots, I have the opportunity to patrol the scenic Atlantic Boulevard and meet people from all over the world. Everyone loves the horses and the children are drawn to them like magnets. It gives the opportunity to promote the positive side of law enforcement.

Our main mission is Law Enforcement, but heavy emphasis is placed on Public Relations and Community Involvement.

Our Mounted Unit consists of one Sergeant and six dedicated mounted officers.

Sergeant Anthony Vinson
SID

I was initially drawn to Law enforcement early on as a child because my family was victimized by an Occupied Burglary when I was young, and I was impressed or at least it stuck in my mind about how I felt when the police arrived. Something bad had happened and these were the people to call to make things better, and I could feel safe again. I was drawn to the Fort Lauderdale police department because of the fact that it was a fairly large police department, and it was not far from my home town of Pompano Beach. I was even given an application by the late Frank Mastrangelo (former officer who died in a plane crash). Fort Lauderdale was the only department I applied to, and the only one I really wanted to work for. I've talked to other officers I know and from what I've been advised things here are pretty good, compared to other local departments.

I love working here and over the years that I've been here I have truly enjoyed working with the people that are employed here. The department is large enough that there is room for advancement, and it's small enough that you don't feel like just another number. I find the job challenging and there is always something new to learn and experience.

Retired Sergeant Thomas Ogden
Marine Division

I became a Police Officer with the Fort Lauderdale Police Department on October 25, 1982. I came to Fort Lauderdale with ten years prior service in police work. This gave me a valuable insight into the job I was undertaking. It also gave me a reference point by which to compare different police experiences.

Fort Lauderdale, when I came here, was unusual to me at the time because the department I came from while a great job, lacked in some of the more modern equipment and methods that I soon was introduced to. I was impressed though, by the opportunities in this agency. It gives one a great comfort level to know that we have so many units, assignments, and promotion opportunities. To me this was truly a department that one could enjoy a tenure that would be rewarding and gratifying.

Over the years my department has continued to modernize, look for new methods of policing, and provided me with the tools and knowledge to further my career. I have been a Sergeant for 15 years and have served in patrol, Tactical Impact, SWAT, and presently the marine division. I have also experienced a wide range of assignments and special duty. Needless to say, I was never bored once, but challenged often. My career has been what I have made of it and the Fort Lauderdale Police Department has allowed me to do this. I feel I have had an excellent career with even more on the horizon.

We are accredited, and to the point, standardized. We strive to be even more professional and it gives one great satisfaction to be a part of this agency. I have been supported in my present assignment and have been provided with the tools and personnel to succeed. This translates to better service to our citizens, visitors, and residents. This support has only increased my desire to do more. It is a pleasure to come to work.

In closing I would like to say that if I had it to do all over again, I would have made the exact same decision. This department has always supported anyone who makes an effort. It has been a wonderful experience and I hope will continue to be so. There is no place I would rather work.

Detective Lisa Cahir
Police Officer

I became a Fort Lauderdale police officer because Fort Lauderdale is one of the largest cities in the county. There are a vast amount of positions within the department that you can experience while working for this department. My first assignment while as a civilian was that of a dispatcher. I have been able to work in Operations as a Patrol Officer, and held an assignment in the Detective Bureau conducting larceny investigations. Currently I am working in the Community Policing Unit. This allows me to work with the community in several aspects. One of the jobs I enjoy is being a D.A.R.E officer. I love working with children in an effort to better our community.

E-mail Lisa Cahir

Jeffrey Alexander
Police Officer

I have been employed by the City of Fort Lauderdale Police Department for 10 1/2 years. Right now, I'm assigned to the Community Policing Initiative (CPI) (Component 2). I have worked in the patrol unit for 3 1/2 years and the Street Level Narcotics unit for 5 years. My experience in the patrol unit and the narcotics unit gives me an advantage in dealing with various community issues.

What I saw as a youth growing up, which affected my Community/neighborhood, now presents me with a chance to change them by offering an opportunity to bring about creative solutions and innovative ideas to better the Community.

Working in Community Policing helps me give back to the Community/neighborhood that I grew up in. As a product of the neighborhood, Community Policing enables me to be a resource center for the neighborhood by providing information to the homeowners.

Being in CPI has given me an opportunity to develop a relationship with the residents and business owners that a patrol officer might not otherwise have. I believe this partnership really emphasizes the concept of Community Policing.

Come join me in helping the City of Fort Lauderdale accomplish the mission of Community Policing for the future.

Donald E.Gauntner
Police Officer

In January, 2000, the Fort Lauderdale Police Department employed me. I had worked at a hotel on Fort Lauderdale Beach since 1984, after moving from New York State. I have seen the City of Fort Lauderdale improve from the rowdy spring break days to the vacation spot sought after by tourists from around the world. It is apparent that the residents and business owners want to continue to make Fort Lauderdale a great place to live and work in.

When I decided to make a career change and work in Law Enforcement, I knew there was only one department that I wanted to work for. I chose FLPD for their reputation and the image they project. In all my dealings with city employees, including police personnel, my experiences have always been positive. During the application process I was treated with respect and everyone I encountered acted in a professional manner.

It is a true honor and privilege to work for the City of Fort Lauderdale and it's Police Department. My experience at dealing with diverse groups of people will benefit me as well as the people I come into contact with. I look forward to progressing in the Department, as there are many opportunities and fields to specialize.

Retired Detective Wayne Swenson
Police Officer

I like being a Fort Lauderdale Police Officer because 24 years ago this city was ranked in the top four cities in the nation. Due to these high standards I started my career as a Fort Lauderdale police officer.

Working in the Community Policing Unit for almost two years has been a great experience, it enables me to solve problems as they arise in the community and see the progression and the change as it takes place. This unit has abed me to work with several other employees in the city such as code enforcement, and has opened new doors to better this community.

Lieutenant Karen Dietrich
Police Officer

I became interested in police work when I was very young. I grew up with a father who was a police officer and rose to the rank of Lieutenant with the City of Miami Police Department. When I was a senior in high school my father offered me the opportunity to go to work with him and he let me do a ride-along with one of his most enthusiastic officers. My mother thought it would cure me of the desire to become a police officer but instead, I was hooked.

I worked for the Broward Sheriffs Office in the Communications Center for 2 ½ years until I was of eligible age. Once I turned 21, I applied with the City of Fort Lauderdale Police Department. I have often been asked why I didn’t stay with the Broward Sheriffs Office. My answer was simply: The reputation that the Fort Lauderdale Police Department held. They are a hard working group and they are dedicated. The City and Police Department are fast-growing and very active in community affairs. Furthermore, there are a lot of transfer and promotion opportunities available.

I was hired July 2, 1990, and have never regretted a day since. During the past years, I have worked in all the areas of the City to familiarize myself with the vast geography we have to patrol. I served in the Honor Guard and attended several funerals in distant parts of the United States. We do this to show the brotherhood of the Fort Lauderdale Police Department and our concern for all who wear the uniform. I was also a member of the SWAT Team, which provided excellent training and tactics. However, I would have to say the biggest accomplishment during my tenure in patrol was to become the first female motorcycle officer in the Fort Lauderdale Police Department. As a motor officer, we have attended many competitions and have walked away with a majority of first place trophies from Fort Lauderdale to New Orleans. Our motor officers are articulate and proud of their accomplishments. We are pleased to show off the City of Fort Lauderdale with such honors.

After 5 years as a motor officer, I have moved on to another assignment and have a high desire of becoming a Police Sergeant with Fort Lauderdale. I am currently assigned to the Detective Bureau in the Larceny Squad and have obtained a vast amount of knowledge from the investigative side of the Police Department.

Briefing Room