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Zephyrhills police chief-to-be learns ropes
By BRADY DENNIS, Times Staff Writer ZEPHYRHILLS -- Jerry Freeman soon will take the reins of the Zephyrhills Police Department from Chief Robert Howell. But for now, he's just an ordinary rookie, a fresh face who's learning the job a day at a time. Freeman, 52, who previously served as captain at the Hialeah Police Department, will be sworn in at a City Council meeting set for 6 p.m. today. He has spent the past two weeks working alongside Howell. He has learned about everything from paperwork to protocols, met everyone from prosecutors to police academy instructors. "He's been a good student," said Howell, 64. "He's fitting right in. He seems to be very at ease, very confident in what he's doing. And the employees here have been very receptive." In fact, they threw Freeman what was supposed to be a surprise luncheon Friday; Howell tipped him off beforehand. Despite Freeman's swearing in tonight -- meaning he can carry a gun and call himself a member of the force, among other things -- he won't officially take over as chief until Howell retires on Oct. 1. Until then, the two will continue working side by side. "It's a little difficult working for two bosses right now," Sgt. Randy Belasic said jokingly. "But so far, so good. Everybody has nothing but good stuff to say about (Freeman). He's a super-nice guy." Freeman said he plans to meet with every department employee in coming weeks, spending "as long as it takes" to get to know them and to discuss "where we need to get to and where we're going." So far, he likes what he sees. "It has been great," Freeman said. "I'm just getting used to the community and the people." And if he has problems, he'll never have to look far for advice. Freeman and his wife, LaVerne, recently bought a house in the Silver Oaks community only a couple of doors from Howell's. The two have worked together, attended church together and eaten several dinners together, from Zephyrhills to Tampa to Plant City. And when the time comes, Howell will be happy to hand over the reins -- and the responsibility -- and head for a long vacation in north Georgia or Tennessee. "I'm not having any problem sliding out of the picture," Howell said. "He's everything I hoped he would be and everything I thought he would be. We found the right guy."
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