DiPino picks deputy chief from within ranks

Following a nationwide search with more than 90 applicants, Sarasota Police Chief Bernadette DiPino has chosen a new deputy chief from within her own ranks.

Acting Deputy Chief Pat Robinson will take on the permanent position, which he began overseeing when former Deputy Chief Stephen Moyer took the job as Secretary of Public Safety and Correctional Services for the state of Maryland in January. DiPino revived the positition when she was hired in 2012.

“His leadership ability, communication skills as well as his dedication to the Sarasota Police Department and the City of Sarasota made (Robinson) the right choice,” DiPino said in the release. “He lives, eats and bleeds SPD blue.”

Robinson, a Sarasota native and Riverview High School graduate, has been with SPD since 2000, according to department spokeswoman Genevieve Judge.

“I’m looking forward to serving as deputy chief of our department and continuing to build on our partnerships with residents, visitors and community groups to protect our community and keep it a safe place to live, work and play,” Robinson said in the release.