Haines City Police Chief Jay Hopwood to retire after 40 years in law enforcement

HAINES CITY, Fla. — Police Chief Jay Hopwood will retire from the Haines City Police Department at the end of the month, ending a four-decade career in law enforcement.

Hopwood began working with the department in 2002 as a patrol officer. Over the years, he served in numerous roles and became the police chief in March of last year.

Prior to joining Haines City, Hopwood served as a corrections officer at the Polk County Jail for three years and later as a police officer with the Winter Haven Police Department. 

“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the citizens of Haines City for the past 24 years, including the last 10 months as Chief of Police,” said Hopwood. “While this is a bittersweet moment, I am incredibly proud of my career and grateful for the friendships I’ve made with current and former members of the police department, city employees, and the residents and business owners of Haines City.

“I sincerely appreciate the hard work and dedication of our officers and staff — I could not have succeeded without them.”

Deputy Chief Isaac Jackson will assume oversight of the Police Department’s daily operations.