Titusville appoints 19-year veteran as new police chief

The City of Titusville named Tyler Wright as its new police chief on Thursday. Wright, known locally as TJ, has served as the department's acting chief since June. He takes over from John Lau, who was fired in June after a rollover crash.

Wright has worked for the Titusville Police Department for 19 years. He began his career as a police officer and rose through the ranks to become deputy chief. The city confirmed that he will formally assume the chief role on November 2, 2026. In that position, he will oversee public safety operations, community engagement, and the department's officers and staff.

The city cited Wright's extensive background in public safety education. He graduated from the Brevard Community College Law Enforcement Academy in 2007. He earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice administration from Columbia Southern University in 2011. He completed the FBI National Academy in 2024 and received a master's degree in public safety from the University of Virginia in 2025.

City Manager Tom Abbate commented on the appointment in a statement. He stated that public safety is the foundation of the city's work. Abbate noted that Wright knows the local neighborhoods, schools, and people. He said, "I have full confidence he will build on the department’s strengths and keep Titusville a safe place to live, work and raise a family."

Wright also issued a statement regarding the selection. He described the position as an honor. Wright said he believes leadership is defined by the people served and the relationships built, rather than rank or title. He expressed a commitment to developing the next generation of leaders within the department.

The new chief will focus on innovation, accountability, and transparency. He aims to prepare the department for changing public safety needs. The city's announcement marks the end of a period of interim leadership that began in June.