Airport names new chief of police

Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport has a new chief of police. Joseph Centanni was named by the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority to succeed Jeremy Beal, who recently retired.

Centanni brings extensive experience in operations, investigations, administration and executive leadership to SRQ. His career began in 1995 with the Troy, New York police department, where he served for 25 years in multiple leadership roles. He concluded his tenure there as captain of detectives, working as a detective, SWAT team member, academy instructor and commander of several specialized units along the way.

In 2021, Centanni was named chief of police for the city of Watervliet, New York. Before joining SRQ, he was deputy chief of police in Plant City, where he headed the Investigations and Information Services Division.

“Chief Centanni brings the kind of steady, people-first leadership that strengthens an organization from the inside out,” said SRQ President and CEO Paul Hoback in a press release. “We’re excited to welcome him to Team SRQ and confident that his experience and character will support our continued growth while ensuring a safe, seamless experience for travelers and staff.”

Centanni holds a bachelor of science in criminal justice, a master of arts in social and public policy and a graduate certificate in community advocacy. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and was selected to attend Session 83 of the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar (LEEDS), with graduation scheduled for August 2026.

“My commitment is to build a professional, accountable and collaborative police department where employees are empowered to succeed, partnerships are valued and every decision we make is focused on protecting the traveling public, our airport employees and visitors,” Centanni said in the release.