- May 6, 2024
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Police Captain Christopher Roos, right, speaks about Melissa Edmonds’ background during her swearing-in ceremony. Photo by Emma Brugna
Captain Roos, right, shakes Officer Melissa Edmonds’ hand to congratulate her before her swearing-in ceremony. Photo by Emma Brugna
City Commissioner Travis Sargent, City Commissioner and Deputy Mayor Harold Briley, City Commissioner Susan Persis and many officers attended the ceremony to show their support for Edmonds. Photo by Emma Brugna
Police Chief Jesse Godfrey, right, prepares to present Edmonds with her badge. Photo by Emma Brugna
Melissa Edmonds and her father, Allen Edmonds, embrace in a hug after Melissa Edwards was sworn in. Photo by Emma Brugna
Melissa Edmonds is sworn in by Chief Jesse Godfrey. Photo by Emma Brugna
Melissa Edmonds gives a speech to express her gratitude to those who have supported her through the process. Photo by Emma Brugna
Officer Lauren Matero, right, congratulates Edmonds with flowers from everyone on her shift. Photo by Emma Brugna
Officers Melissa Edmonds and Lauren Matero hug to celebrate Edmonds’ accomplishment. Photo by Emma Brugna
Melissa Edmonds’ sister, Kristi Gonzales; father, Allen Edmonds; Officer Melissa Edmonds and her mother, Barbara Frase. Photo by Emma Brugna
Officer Melissa Edmonds stands proud after being sworn in. Photo by Emma Brugna
Melissa Edmonds is pinned by her father, Allen Edmonds. Photo by Emma Brugna
The Ormond Beach Police Department hosted a swearing-in ceremony at its training room on Thursday, July 27, to welcome Melissa Edmonds to the force.
After being sworn in by Police Chief Jesse Godfrey, Edmonds expressed her gratitude to those in the room who have supported her.
“I’m truly truly honored to be standing here with all of you that are in this room. I’m honored to be part of an amazing organization,” Edmonds said. “Not one person has ever made me feel like an outsider, and I’m so grateful for how hospitable you’ve all been.”
Godfrey had opened the ceremony by recognizing the officers, city officials and family members in attendance and speaking about how Edmonds would contribute to the department.
“I think she’s going to bring a breath of experience and life experience to the table that’s going to help us out,” Godfrey said. “She’s got a skill set some of us don’t have.”
Godfrey assured Edmonds’ family that the team will do its best to keep Edmonds safe.
“We’re guided by state law, we’re guided by federal law, we’re guided by our city ordinances, but we’re also guided by our mission statement,” he said. “The mission of our police department is to enhance the quality of life in our community and protect our citizens from crime.”
He gave Edmonds two rules to hold with her during her time with the OBPD: The first rule is to remember why she took the job. The second is to never tarnish the badge.
Police Captain Christopher Roos described Edmonds as a forgiving person.
“She’s a very patient person, and we appreciate that," he said. "I think that’s a great attribute for police officers to have."
Edmonds was born and raised in Sanford and graduated from Seminole High School.
She completed the Basic Law Enforcement Academy in June 2023 and is pursuing a criminal justice degree at Daytona State College.
She said she was inspired to join the Ormond Beach Police Department to give back to the community and those who make up the OBPD.
“This department is very unique in the fact that everybody works so well together, and they are a very close-knit family,” she said. “I was drawn to this city because of the people.”
