Daytona Beach Shores appoints Michael Fowler as Public Safety Director.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News 

The City of Daytona Beach Shores has appointed Michael Fowler as Public Safety Director, who took the Oath of Office on Friday, October 14, 2022, succeeding Stephan Dembinsky, who retired earlier this month.

With a unique model of the Public Safety Department combining fire/rescue and police services, Director Fowler is triple trained as a law enforcement officer, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), and firefighter. The Daytona Beach Shores Public Safety model provides greater coverage during emergencies, providing quicker response times that save lives.

According to a release, Director Fowler followed in his father’s footsteps to become a law enforcement officer, starting as a part-time Daytona Beach Shores Public Safety Officer in 1992 after graduating from the police academy in St. Augustine. He has been full-time since 1995, rising through the ranks over the years, serving most recently as captain for four years.

Fowler has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a Master's in Public Administration from the University of Central Florida. As a graduate of the FBI National Academy, Fowler is a member of the Florida Police Chiefs Association, the Volusia/Flagler Police Chiefs Association, the Volusia County Fire Chiefs Association, and the FBI National Academy Associates.

“Of all the functions a city carries out day in and day out, nothing is more important than keeping our citizens safe and protected,” said Daytona Beach Shores Mayor Nancy Miller. “The Shores is blessed to have an excellent Public Safety Department with fire, rescue, and police services, all combined into a well-run operation. The professionalism of the Public Safety Department is a credit to the leadership, and Michael Fowler has been a leader in our department for many years.”

Fowler trains in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and is a big advocate for incorporating Jiu-Jitsu in policing as a defensive tactic and delivers Meals on Wheels once a week.

State Attorney R.J. Larizza of the 7th Judicial Circuit also spoke, paying tribute to Dembinsky, praising the city’s selection of Fowler to succeed him, and pledging his support of the Public Safety Department under Fowler’s leadership.

“You’re lucky to have the quality and caliber of a man like him to take over the reins. I want to say personally to Director Fowler, congratulations, and I look forward to working with you,” Larizza said. “God bless you and your family.”

City Manager Kurt Swartzlander administered the Oath of Office at Friday’s ceremony, and Mrs. Fowler pinned the Director’s badge. Daytona Beach Shores Lt. Michael Schoenbrod served as master of ceremonies and also offered remarks.

“I promise you that under my leadership, this department will always strive to deserve and protect that trust,” said Director Fowler while thanking his family, city officials, former Director Dembinsky, and his colleagues in policing and fire service.

He told the community he appreciates their backing and trust.

“I have so much respect for what you do every day,” he told his officers. “It takes a special person to become a firefighter and put yourself in harm’s way to protect the lives and property of others and treat people when they are at their sickest, most seriously injured, and vulnerable time. But you have also chosen to serve and protect your community as law enforcement officers. You risk your well-being to be society’s guardians. You are truly our community’s bravest and finest.”