Longboat police officer promoted to sergeant

Michael Mathis is a sergeant.

The Longboat Key Police Department officer, who joined the department in 2023, was promoted by Police Chief Russ Mager. He replaces Lee Smith, who retired in late May. Mager described the responsibilities of a sergeant as the boots on the ground of the department, working most closely with officers daily.

Much of the police force gathered together in the conference room of police headquarters to congratulate Mathis on the promotion at a badge pinning ceremony July 14. 

“Having good supervision and strong supervision is essential for me to be successful," Mager said to Mathis before he administered the oath of office. "You can have the best policies in the world, but if you don’t have the right supervisors out there running the day-to-day operations, it can be detrimental. So I choose wisely and I’m proud to promote you."

Mathis, easily recognized by his Southern accent, moved to the Gulf Coast from Georgia where he was born and raised. He spent most of his 21-year law enforcement career at the Coweta County Sheriff’s Office where he started as a patrol deputy and moved into supervisory roles at the undercover narcotics and sex-trafficking units. Coweta County is just southwest of Atlanta and has a population of about 150,000.

“I gave up flying in a helicopter with our crime suppression unit. Traded it in for the beach and a boat,” Mathis said. “I absolutely love it, and I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

Longboat Key is a different vibe, he said, and the support from the community has been evident since he arrived.

“I’ve more than enjoyed my time here,” Mathis said. “From policing the Atlanta area to here is completely different. When we came down here it immediately felt like family. Not just the police department, but working in Longboat Key. It was almost a culture shock to be here and experience how the community is welcoming, their response to law enforcement, the support they give us, so I can’t think of a better place to be.”