FELLSMERE — Fellsmere Police Chief Scott Melanson is leaving the department on Sept. 25, retiring so he can go travel the country. He will be replaced with current Vero Beach Police Capt. Keith Touchberry.
“It’s time for a change,” Chief Melanson said of his retirement. “I want to see some of this country while I can.”
Chief Melanson has led the Fellsmere Police Department for seven years and has served the city for 19 total, earning an annual salary of $69,000. He leaves the city without drawing a pension.
“The City owes a debt of gratitude to Chief Melanson for his dedication throughout his years of service,” Fellsmere City Manager Jason Nunemaker said. “As City Manager it has been a pleasure working with Scott and I wish him the best in his future pursuits.”
Chief Melanson said that he has enjoyed his time with the city and developing the police department.
Capt. Keith Touchberry has been hired to lead the department with a salary of $72,000. The increase in salary over Chief Melanson’s is due to the 2 percent pay raise all Fellsmere City employees are expected to get this year.
His start date will be Sept. 25. When he will leave the Vero Beach Police Department has yet to be decided.
Touchberry has lived just outside the Fellsmere city limits for the last 11 years and has more than 24 years of law enforcement experience.
“It’s just perfect timing for me,” Touchberry said of taking the Fellsmere position, explaining that his career goal has been to be a police chief.
He said his first task will be to listen and learn from the Fellsmere Police Department’s personnel and others in the Fellsmere community, getting to know them better given his new role.
“I look forward to partnering with the community,” Touchberry said.
The Fellsmere Police Department has a staff of approximately 10 employees.
