Search
Close this search box.

Fort Walton Beach Police Department welcomes two new officers

The Fort Walton Beach Police Department welcomed two new police officers to the police force this week. David Bowell comes to the city following a 26-year law enforcement career with the Okaloosa […]

(left) David Bowell and Austin Howard (center) are pictured with Chief Robert Bage. The two were sworn into the Fort Walton Beach Police Department (City of Fort Walton Beach)

The Fort Walton Beach Police Department welcomed two new police officers to the police force this week.

  • David Bowell and Austin Howard were sworn in during a ceremony Tuesday that was attended by fellow officers, family, City Manager Jeff Peters and City Council members Gloria DeBerry and David Schmidt.

David Bowell comes to the city following a 26-year law enforcement career with the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. Bowell is a native of Fort Walton Beach and is looking forward to serving the city he grew up in.

Austin Howard served as a police officer in Fremont, California for about three years before deciding to move to Florida. He served a short time with the Walton County Sheriff’s Office before joining the Fort Walton Beach Police Department.

Both officers will start this week in the department’s patrol division.

Join the conversation...

Continue reading 👇

Community Comments

“I struggle with Aden’s comment about training. If they are hiring the right people and training appropriately then why did we have two completely unsupportable officer involved shootings this year...”
Respond
“Again, outstanding growth management! A non-started project has already been determined to need a traffic light, delaying traffic, on a non-completed bypass route. Truly overloads the mind!”
Respond
“After the negative experience I had today, July 24th, at the Eglin Air Force Base hiring event, at the University of Florida Research Engineering & Education Facility in Shalimar, with...”
Respond
“Congratulations to Northwest Florida Ballet Academie!!! Leading and excelling!”
Respond
“Why doesn't the School Board purchase that 20 acres immediate North of El Paso restaurant. Prime location for a New High School or at least additional room. This would be...”
Respond
“This is an outstanding achievement.”
Respond
“You are saying that they are plans in the future for another high school well my question would why are you wanting for. You see that the schools are are...”
Respond
“Is the child still living? Great job saving this baby.”
Respond
“Just around the corner in Mossy Head!”
Respond
“Called the number listed 850 882 6258 which asks for a mailbox number. Not helpful. Looking for more information on hiring event scheduled for July 24 & July 25”
Respond