TPD Newsletter - Issue 4 - December 2024

Titusville Police Department Newsletter - Holiday Edition

December 2024 / Issue 04

[Photo of TPD officers and children basketball team.] Caption: Titusville Police and local kids take 2nd and 3rd place at the 6th Man Basketball Tournament in Cocoa.

[Graphic Logo of a police dog in a rocket sled wearing a Santa hat.]

Holiday Message from the Chief:

“This holiday season especially, it’s important for all of us to be mindful of the less fortunate. It’s all our responsibility to stay connected with friends and family who we’ve drifted apart from. More than that, don’t allow the commercialism of the holiday season to steal your joy. Be sure to take time out this season to spend it with the people that matter most; to live, to laugh, and to make memories that will last.”

- Chief John Lau

Upcoming Events

December 2 - Annual Reverse Christmas Parade, Downtown Titusville - 9am
December 5 - Parrish Medical Center Gift of Light, 951 N. Washington Ave. - 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
December 14 - Titusville Christmas Parade, Titusville High School to Broad St. - 6 p.m.

For more information on community events: 321-223-5316

Vacation Watch Program

Property Watch Programs can be utilized for a short time while on vacation, or if your property is vacant for longer than 12 weeks! Including exterior inspections for unusual activity and routine patrols, the program is available at no cost to all residents of Titusville!

Ask us about additional programs we off to deter and control trespassing on your property, or visit our website to learn more:

Retail Theft Statistics

2021 = 302
2022 = 293
2023 = 280
2024 = 250

Incidents of retail theft have decreased 7.28% from 2021 to 2023, however, 26% of retail theft incidents occurred in November and December of 2023. - Megan Laurencio

Traffic Talk - December 2024

Traffic Officer Kraeuter

12 Days of Traffic Safety

"On the ___ day of Christmas TPD gave to me:

A citation for excessive speeding
Working headlights
Seatbelts fastened
Traffic cops
Donut rings!
Cars a-yielding
Traffic cones
Blinkers blinking
K-9s barking
Pedestrians a-crossing
Traffic lights flashing
Bikers biking

Happy Holidays!

Don't Drive Lit!

Call a sober friend
Call an Uber, Lyft, or Taxi
Take car keys
Drive high, get a DUI!
Drive safe Titusville!

[Graphic of Santa Claus holding a list which reads: Naughty - drunk drivers, distracted drivers, speeders, unbuckled car riders.]

Promoting Teamwork Within Our Community

[Photo of police officer.]

Patrol Officer Richard Burket - Officer of the Month

In October, Officer Richard Burkett responded to a burglary at a local business. Employees reported an unknown man had entered a restricted area, stolen items, and fled. Reviewing surveillance footage, Officer Burkett recognized the suspect from prior encounters. He soon located the man nearby, wearing the same clothing from the video and in possession of the stolen items. The suspect was promptly arrested and provided transportation to the Brevard County Jail.

Officer Richard Burkett’s effective response and closure of this call for service demonstrates exceptional professionalism, dedication, and attention to detail. Therefore, he is the Titusville Police Department's October Officer of the Month.

Congratulations, Officer Burkett! Great job!

- Erlina Lively

Safety Advisory: Property Crime Prevention

Officer H. Chappell

Neighborhood Watch👀
Watch out for each other and report suspicious activity.
Lighting & Visibility 💡
Install bright lights, trim plants, and keep doors/windows visible.
Security Systems🛡
Use alarms, cameras, and smart locks. Display security signs.
Work with Police🚓
Encourage police patrols and build relationships with local law enforcement.
Community Education📚
Share safety tips: lock doors, keep valuables out of sight, and use strong locks.
Home Reinforcement🏡
Use deadbolt locks, secure windows, and store valuables in safes.
Secure Your Car🚗
Lock cars, keep valuables hidden, and park in well-lit areas.
Trash Disposal🗑
Break down or hide boxes for expensive items.
Engage Youth👦👧
Support programs to engage at-risk youth and reduce crime.
Package Delivery Safety📦
Have packages delivered to a secure location (like a porch locker or a neighbor's house), or use delivery services that offer tracking and timed delivery.

Toys for Tots

Jessica Cabrera

About Us: Toys for Tots, founded in 1947 by Marine Major Bill Hendricks and his wife Diane, began as a local initiative and became a national effort to bring Christmas joy to disadvantaged children. The North Brevard Chapter runs its annual campaign from October to December. In 2023, it supported over 1,000 families and provided gifts to 4,300 children. The Titusville Police Department proudly supports this effort, with many TPD employees volunteering!

What can I do to help?: You can support Toys for Tots of North Brevard by donating new, unwrapped toys, giving a monetary donation, or by volunteering your time. Call 321-200-6173 or visit to make a donation or learn more about getting help for your family.

Looking to do more? Call and ask for Denise to learn more about becoming a drop-off site, or how to plan a fundraising event.

Merry Christmas Titusville!

Police Chief John Lau

[Official portrait of Chief John Lau]

Titusville Police Chief John Lau has been dedicated and loyal to serving the citizens of Titusville since 1992 and has been the Police Chief since 2012.

Since the beginning of his career with the Titusville Police Department, Chief Lau has risen through the ranks in many different assignments and positions to include his personal favorite, Sergeant over a night shift on patrol.

Chief Lau earned his bachelor’s degree in organizational management and received his master’s degree from the University of Central Florida in the criminal justice program. Chief Lau has also attended the prestigious FBI National Academy.

Chief Lau is an active member of the Brevard County Association of Chiefs of Police, Florida Police Chiefs Association, and the FBI National Academy Chief Lau is known for harboring a positive family atmosphere at the Titusville Police Department, putting God and family first, and being transparent with the community he serves.

With over 30 years experience as a law enforcement professional, Chief Lau has dedicated his career to creating a police agency that partners with the community it serves.

- Sergeant R. Holden

Deputy Chief Todd Hutchinson

[Official portrait of Deputy Chief Hutchinson]

Deputy Chief Todd Hutchinson has dedicated over 30 years to law enforcement, earning a reputation for significant achievements and leadership in our department. Todd relocated to Titusville, from his hometown of Boston, Massachusetts in 1994. His career spans various roles including Detective, Public Information Officer, Sergeant, and then Lieutenant, Major, Commander, and ultimately Deputy Chief.

His commitment to education and professional growth is evident in his academic accomplishments. Todd holds an Associate’s degree from Eastern Florida State College, a Backelor’s from Warner University, and a Master’s in Public Administration from the Florida Institute of Technology. Further, Todd also holds prestige as a graduate of the 240th Session of the FBI National Leadership Academy, where he maintained a stunning 4.0 GPA.

Todd is also a passionate car enthusiast who spearheaded the Department’s 1949 Ford police sedan project. With forfeiture funds approval and donations, he located and refurbished a 1949 Ford Sedan that best represented the very first police car of the City of Titusville. The car is designed to represent TPD’s history and promote community outreach. The 1949 Ford has won numerous awards including first place in the annual Central Florida Law Enforcement Car Show in 2022.

Todd is married to his wife Lea, and he has two sons, Austin and Brady. With his wealth of experience, education, and specialized training, Todd has earned respect as a leader dedicated to public service, integrity, and professionalism in law enforcement.

- Officer K. Kelly