Sarasota Police Chief James Rieser has announced his retirement from the City of Sarasota effective today, August 25, 2021, at 5 p.m.

“Because of recent unexpected health issues and after much consideration and reflection, I have submitted my retirement.  I have been honored and humbled to serve as the Chief of Police for the past seven months,” said Chief Rieser. “It’s been an honor to serve this beautiful community I consider paradise over the past 29 years. The professionalism, integrity, and level of service of the men and women of the Sarasota Police Department are above and beyond what any leader could ask for.”

Chief Rieser joined the Sarasota Police Department in April 1992. Since joining the ranks of the Sarasota Police Department, Chief Rieser served in the Patrol Division, Professional Standards Division, Narcotics and Criminal Investigations Division, and most recently was the commander of the Support Services Division before being appointed Chief of Police in January 2021. During his service, he was awarded a Life-Saving Medal, Distinguished Service Medal, and Meritorious Service Medal, as well as several commendations.

Sarasota City Manager Marlon Brown on Wednesday appointed Deputy Chief Rex Troche as interim Chief of Police.  Troche succeeds Chief James Rieser, who has announced his retirement from the City of Sarasota effective today, Aug. 25, at 5 p.m.

“We appreciate Chief Rieser’s dedicated service to Sarasota for the past 29 years and his leadership as police chief over the past seven months,” Brown said. “Now, we look forward to a seamless transition with Deputy Chief Troche stepping into the interim role. With his extensive background in law enforcement and his exemplary service to the department in a variety of positions over the past two decades, he is a natural choice to immediately step into this role while continuing to serve the community.”

Interim Chief Troche began his career with the Sarasota Police Department in 2002. He’s served in all four agency divisions (Patrol, Professional Standards, Criminal Investigations, and Support Services) as either an officer or supervisor. 

“It’s been an honor and privilege to serve under Chief Rieser’s direction. He‘s been extremely impactful not just for our agency but for our community,” Troche said. “I would like to ensure our community that the Sarasota Police Department will continue to move forward with initiatives that are in place and keep the City of Sarasota a safe place to live, work and play.”

Troche was promoted to Sergeant in 2013 and to Lieutenant in 2017. In 2018, he earned a master's degree in emergency management from Saint Leo University and was promoted to Captain in June 2020.

Troche is a member of the Hispanic American Police Command Officers Association, International Association of Chiefs of Police and FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development. Last week, he graduated from the Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP), a leadership program hosted by the Police Executive Research Forum. 

City Commissioners expressed their gratitude to Chief Rieser for his time with the department: 

• “Jim has helped us tremendously through a very trying time and is leaving the department in great shape. We thank him for that and for his three decades of service to our community. We wish him well.” – Mayor Hagen Brody 

• “We want to thank the Chief for his 29 years of distinguished service to Sarasota.” – Vice Mayor Erik Arroyo 

• “I respect Chief Rieser’s decision and thank him for his service to our City. I wish him and his family all the best.” - Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch 

• “I’d like to express my gratitude for Chief Rieser’s service, and I wish him the very best for his future.” Commissioner Liz Alpert 

• “It has been a pleasure getting to know Chief Rieser. I recognize his value to the City and am sorry to see him leave. I’m thankful for his service to the community and wish the best for him and his family in their future endeavors.” Commissioner Kyle Battie 

The City Manager, in consultation with Deputy City Manager Pat Robinson and Human Resources Director Stacie Mason, will begin discussions about the process for hiring a new Chief of Police. 

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