History making: New Smyrna Beach PD has first father-son cop duo

Photo for Headline Surfer /  New Smyrna Beach Police Department recruit Shawn Adkins is shown at left with his father, NSBPD Inv. David Adkins, who has been a cop here for 26 years.
 
By HENRY FREDERICK
Headline Surfer
 
NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla.  -- Like father, like son: For the first time in the history of the police department, the City of New Smyrna Beach has a father and son duo of police officers.

When deciding which police department he wanted to work for, Shawn Adkins, son of NSBPD Investigator David Adkins, said it was an easy decision: “My Dad has been really successful at this agency and I have always felt like it was part of my family.”

The 22-year-old Adkins added, "I know and love this community."

When deciding which police department he wanted to work for, Shawn Adkins, son of NSBPD Investigator David Adkins, said it was an easy decision: “My Dad has been really successful at this agency and I have always felt like it was part of my family.” The 22-year-old Adkins added, "I know and love this community."

The younger Adkins was sworn in as a police officer in front of friends, family and his father at the June 27 city commission meeting.

The elder Adkins began his law enforcement career with NSBPD in 1987. He is a youth investigator and coordinator of the Police Athletic League. Because he's in the state's DROP program, the elder Adkins is expected to retire in four years.

Shawn Adkins will earn $32,541.60 in his first year with the police force.

There are no other openings, said Master Sgt. Eugene Griffith, NSBPD's spokesman.