Chief Evander Collier IV of the Cocoa Police Department brought the inaugural community quarterly report into the spotlight for 2025. He expressed hope and determination for the forthcoming year while referring to the steadfast commitment to uphold the department’s heritage of excellence. Commenting on the year 2024, Collier proudly noted the anticipated decline in criminal activity, bringing the year to an appreciable close.
The yet-to-be-finalized figures are promising, and preliminary data analysis suggests a dip in violent as well as non-violent offenses. This marks the fourth consecutive year where Cocoa Police Department registered a decline in crime rates, shedding light on its ongoing battle with lawlessness.
The police department’s accomplishment, according to Chief Collier, is a shining tribute to the unwavering commitment, sweat, and blood of its police force. Further, he pointed out the important role that community partners played in this victory. Together, they pledge to prioritize community wellness, build robust relationships, and maintain top-notch service standards.
Promotions within the police force were granted to Officer Branda Marchica, Agent Ben Erskine, Detective Rickford Lietch, and Officer Will Stephenson who now hold the rank of Sergeant within the patrol unit. Chief Collier believes without a shade of doubt that these remarkable individuals will lead within the department with their transformative leadership.
Collier had the honor of swearing in Irene Ortega in a ceremony graced by her family, department colleagues, and city leaders. Ortega, a native of the Bronx of New York, has called Florida her home since 2006. The upcoming few months will see Ortega engrossed in acquiring knowledge about the department’s operational practices, procedures, and regulations.
Following her completion of the Field Training Evaluation Program, Ortega will merge into a squad and be prepared for patrol responsibilities. This promotion in her professional path illustrates the department’s belief and trust in her capabilities.
The department swore in Reserve Officer Ryan Brackin on February 10th. Brackin, born and raised in Brevard County, has a history of serving the Cocoa community. He is a graduate of both Space Coast Junior Senior High School and the Law Enforcement Academy at Eastern Florida State College.
Brackin brought his dedication to the City of Cocoa between the years of 2018 and 2021. As a reserve officer, Brackin will commit a minimum of 20 hours monthly to patrol duties, showcasing his loyalty and tireless commitment to the community.
The Code Enforcement Division, a branch of the police department, has recently welcomed two new faces – an ex-sergeant from the correctional facility and a military veteran. Jason Brimm, originally a resident of Kingsport, Tennessee, resettled in Brevard County in the year 1992 and is a proud alumnus of Titusville High School.
Brimm bolstered his resume with a series of educational accomplishments. In 2008, he earned a criminal justice associate degree, adding on to that a bachelor’s degree a decade later. His academic journey continued as he obtained a master’s in criminal justice administration in 2020.
Justin Simpson, the second fresh recruit to the Code Enforcement Division, is a Cocoa native with a distinguished service career. He served his country as a military police officer in the U.S. Army for 13 years before taking medical retirement in 2018.
Upon his medical leave from the army, Simpson sought to further his education. He achieved an associate degree in business administration and entrepreneurship from Eastern Florida State College in 2020, showcasing his commitment to continual learning and professional development.
Both Brimm and Simpson bring a rich bag of veteran experience and academic qualifications to the Code Enforcement Division. Serving the community with their skills, they embody the values of dedication, loyalty, and continuous learning that the Cocoa Police Department holds dear.
In conclusion, Chief Collier’s address highlighted the continual progress made by the department in reducing crime, the critical role played by the dedicated officers and community partners, and the promising future symbolized by the promotions and new additions. Looking at 2025, the Cocoa Police Department is on a positive trajectory of progress and community engagement.
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