The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #71 has thrown its full support behind Deputy Chief Erik Goss to become the next leader of the Pensacola Police Department, citing his 27 years of dedicated service and overwhelming support from rank-and-file officers. Read Chief of Police Endorsement.
Officers Want Internal Leadership
In a letter dated Nov. 14, FOP President James M. Parsons announced the lodge’s unanimous endorsement, after a recent membership survey showed officers overwhelmingly favor appointing an internal candidate who understands the department’s culture, history, and community relationships.
- “This membership confidence reflects the officers’ trust in proven leadership from within, and no individual better represents that trust and experience than Deputy Chief Erik Goss,” Parsons wrote.
Rising Through the Ranks
Goss has served as a police officer, detective, sergeant, lieutenant, and captain, and is currently the Acting Deputy Chief, overseeing the daily operations of a department with more than 200 employees and a budget exceeding $29 million.
- His leadership of the Community Outreach Division has strengthened police-community relations through initiatives including the Community Response Specialist Program and the redevelopment of the department’s Mental Health Program.
Beyond his departmental roles, Goss has been active in the FOP. His union leadership positions include:
- Treasurer for 10 years
- Vice President for 2 years
- President for 4 years
- State Trustee for 4 years
- Labor Board Director for 4 years
He also led the Local Political Action Committee and served on the State Audit Committee for four years, earning statewide respect for his commitment to fairness, communication, and organizational transparency.
Goss holds a Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration from Columbia Southern University and a Bachelor of Science in Criminology from Florida State University. He is also a graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Police (Class 92) and the Florida Police Chiefs Association Future Chiefs Program.
Strong Endorsement
In concluding their endorsement, FOP Lodge #71 stressed that Goss embodies the core values defining the Pensacola Police Department: Courtesy, Integrity, and Professionalism.
- “His decades of experience, institutional knowledge, and visionary leadership make him the clear and deserving choice to serve as Chief of Police,” the letter states. “The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #71 proudly and confidently endorses Erik Goss for this position and urges his appointment as the next Chief of the Pensacola Police Department.”
Background: Pensacola Police Chief Eric Randall resigned effective immediately on July 10, 2025. Following his resignation, Mayor D.C. Reeves named Captain Kristin Brown as the interim (acting) police chief, with the understanding she would not apply for the job.
Dig Deeper: Erik Goss’s grandfather, Louis Goss, was appointed Chief of Police on August 22, 1980, and led the department until his retirement on December 31, 1994—a stretch of over 14 years. After nearly 50 years with the Pensacola Police Department, city officials honored Goss by naming the police headquarters after him upon his retirement.