Melbourne Beach Police

09/07/2026

08/19/2026

Please join Chief Zander in congratulating Officer James “Woody” Carroll as he was selected as the Officer of the 2nd Quarter 2026. Woody does a lot for our agency and we are very fortunate to have his experience and his dedication to our police department and town.

08/04/2026

👮‍♂️ Meet Deputy Chief Matthew Smith, a dedicated leader of the Melbourne Beach Police Department with 26 years of law enforcement experience. After attending the police academy in 1997 and taking a brief break early in his career, Matthew has spent nearly three decades serving and protecting his community.

When asked what inspired him to become a police officer, Matthew simply says, "I really don't know. It just kind of happened." Sometimes the best careers are the ones that naturally find us, and his years of service speak for themselves.

Off duty, Matthew enjoys spending quality time with his beautiful wife and family and loves traveling whenever they have the opportunity. ✈️❤️ Family has always been at the center of his life, and making memories together is one of his greatest joys.

The most rewarding part of his job is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact every single day. Being able to serve the community where he grew up makes that responsibility even more special. 💙

Some of Deputy Chief Smith's favorites:
• Favorite color: Orange 🧡
• Favorite food: Pizza 🍕

If Matthew suddenly had a million dollars, he'd put his family first by paying for his children's college tuition. The rest would go toward purchasing a small piece of land in Tennessee, where he and his wife hope to enjoy retirement together someday. 🌄

And if he could be any superhero? His answer is both heartfelt and inspiring: his dad. ❤️
"He was a problem solver, had more patience than anyone I have ever met, and made a lasting positive impression on everyone he came in contact with. He was Superman to me."

🙏 Thank you, Deputy Chief Matthew Smith, for your 26 years of dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to protecting and serving the Melbourne Beach community.

07/08/2026

Deputy Chief Smith was honored to attend the 45th Security Forces Squadron Change of Command Ceremony.

We extend our sincere appreciation to Lieutenant Colonel David Bruton for his leadership and partnership with our department throughout his time in command. We wish him continued success in his next assignment.

We also welcome Major Daniel McCraw as the new Commander of the 45th Security Forces Squadron. We look forward to continuing the strong partnership between our agencies.

Pictured: Deputy Chief Smith and Lt. Col. Bruton

07/04/2026

Happy 4th of July from you Melbourne Beach Police Department!!! Great day for a red, white and blue golf cart parade!! Proud to be an American!!!

07/01/2026

👮‍♂️ Meet Officer James "Woody" Carroll, a dedicated law enforcement officer who has proudly served communities for just over 26 years. While becoming a police officer was never part of his original plan, life had other ideas, and he’s spent more than two decades making a difference in the lives of others.

“The best part of this job is the satisfaction of helping those in need,” Officer Carroll shares. That sense of purpose has guided him throughout his career and continues to be the most rewarding part of wearing the badge.

When he’s off duty, Officer Carroll enjoys hitting the road on his bicycle 🚴 and spending quality time with his retired K9 partner, Messi 🐕. After years of working side by side, those moments together remain especially meaningful.

Some of Officer Carroll’s favorites:
• Favorite color: Green 💚
• Favorite food: Cheeseburgers 🍔

If Woody suddenly had a million dollars, he wouldn’t hesitate to invest in one of his biggest passions, a brand-new carbon fiber road bike 🚴‍♂️.

And if he could be any superhero? Batman, without a doubt. 🦇

“Batman has all the cool gadgets,” he says, proving that even after 26 years on the job, he still appreciates a little innovation and adventure.

🙏 Thank you, Officer James "Woody" Carroll, for more than 26 years of dedicated service, your commitment to helping those in need, and the positive impact you've made on your community. We also salute your loyal retired K9 partner, Messi, for a career of service alongside you. 💙