During a ceremony on Monday, four newly promoted Ocala Police Department supervisors were sworn in by Mayor Kent Guinn to serve and protect the city in their new official capacity.
Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken was also in attendance to congratulate Captain Anthony Vizzini, Lieutenant Jeff Hurst, Sergeant Aaron Messenger, and Sergeant Joe Tussey on their promotions.
Captain Anthony Vizzini has been with OPD for 23 years. During that time, he has worked in various departments, including the Patrol Bureau, Investigative Services Bureau, Special Deployment Unit, and Drug Task Force, where he served as a task force officer assigned to the DEA.
As a supervisor, Vizzini served in patrol, the intelligence unit, and criminal investigations. His most recent assignment was to serve as a Watch Commander for A-squad’s day shift. In addition, he has been a part of the SWAT team for nearly 20 years, serving as the SWAT Commander for the last three years, according to OPD.
Lieutenant Jeff Hurst has been with OPD for 20 years. During those two decades, he has worked in several departments, including the Patrol Bureau and Investigative Services Bureau. For the past three years, he has served as a supervisor in the Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team.
Hurst’s contributions have helped UDEST win the Drug Unit of the Year award for the entire state of Florida for three consecutive years, according to OPD.
Sergeant Aaron Messenger has been with OPD for 14 years. During that time, he has worked in various departments, including the Patrol Bureau and Investigative Services Bureau. He spent around six years as a detective, investigating property crimes and major crimes.
In addition, Messenger worked with the intelligence unit. He also served as a field training officer, SWAT operator, and department training instructor for eight years, according to OPD.
Sergeant Joe Tussey has been with OPD for three years, serving as a field training officer in the Patrol Bureau. His law enforcement career kicked off at the Saint Petersburg Police Department before transferring to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, where he served for a decade.
During his tenure at MCSO, Tussey was a member of the fugitive apprehension team, and he also served as a special agent for the Department of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco, according to OPD.
In a social media post on Monday, the Ocala Police Department thanked Captain Vizzini, Lieutenant Hurst, Sergeant Messenger, and Sergeant Tussey for their loyal and dedicated service to the local community.