Changing of the guard: New Smyrna Beach Police Chief Ronald Pagano retiring at year's end

Headline Surfer photo by Serafina Frederick / New Smyrna Beach Police Chief Ronald Pagano waves to the crowd on Canal Street during last year's Christmas Parade. Less than a year later, the city's top cop is riding off into the sunset.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Police Chief Ronald Pagano's career in law enforcement has come full circle.

He started in policing at 18 and now at the age of 63, Pagano's calling it a career. He is retiring effective Dec. 31.

Lt. Michael Brouillette will take over as the interim chief until a permanent  replacement is named.

The announcement came during Tuesday night's  City Commission meeting.

Pagano was hired as police chief 12 years ago.

At Tuesday night's meeting, City Manager Pam Brangaccio issued memo to the commissioners, which stated in part that he would continue serving the police department as a consultant until Feb. 17, "assisting with special projects." Brangaccio said the city as "well served" by Pagano during the last dozen years adding he "ushered in a new era of regional partnerships, officer training, professionalism, community relations and technology in New Smyrna Beach."