Chief Jason Umberger is pleased to announce the promotion of Sergeant Matt Whittier to the rank of Lieutenant. 

Lieutenant Whittier graduated from the Central Florida Community College Police Academy in July 1996. He began his law enforcement career with the Ocala Police Department in 1996 where he worked in the patrol division as an Officer, Corporal, and then as a Field Training Officer until 2004. Lieutenant Whittier then became employed by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office as a Corrections Officer until 2006.

In November 2006, Lieutenant Whittier was hired as a Police Officer with the DeLand Police Department. During his tenure with DPD, Lieutenant Whittier has worked in the Patrol Division and Criminal Investigations Division, where he also served as a secondary Crime Scene Technician. During this time, Lieutenant Whittier graduated with his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Keiser University. Lieutenant Whittier was promoted to Sergeant in May 2014 and assigned to the Patrol Division where he mentored his squad for seven years. In November 2021, Sergeant Whittier was reassigned to the Community Engagement Unit/Quartermaster position where he remained until May 2022 when he was transferred back to patrol and his beloved C Squad.

Lieutenant Whittier will be assigned to the Patrol Division under Captain Mike Quinn where he will serve as the night shift watch commander. Congratulations Lieutenant Whittier!