FOUNDER TO THE PROFILE
Derek Brewer
Chief of Police, Zephyrhills Police Department
“I’ve always carried a bit of a chip on my shoulder. When people told me I didn’t have the education, experience, or ability to accomplish something, it motivated me to work harder and prove that I could. I’ve learned to seek advice, surround myself with good people, and never stop learning, but that internal drive to succeed has always pushed me forward.”
About
Derek Brewer is a seasoned law enforcement professional and Police Chief for the City of Zephyrhills, Florida, with nearly 25 years of law enforcement experience and more than two decades of leadership service. Throughout his career, Brewer has focused on public safety, community engagement, organizational development, and innovative approaches to meeting community needs.
Brewer is also the co-founder of the Community Hope and Intervention Project of Zephyrhills (CHIPZ), a nonprofit organization created to address challenges that frequently intersect with law enforcement, including homelessness, substance abuse, mental health concerns, medical needs, and financial hardship. The initiative grew from conversations among local stakeholders in 2021 and was formally incorporated as a nonprofit organization in 2023. CHIPZ complements traditional law enforcement efforts by connecting individuals and families with resources designed to promote long-term stability. The organization assists those at risk of homelessness, assists with emergency shelter, helps connect individuals with rehabilitation and substance-abuse treatment, provides access to mental health and medical services, and offers assistance with essential utility expenses during financial emergencies.
Brewer’s leadership and commitment to public service and community-based problem-solving have earned him numerous honors throughout his career. These include being named Officer of the Year, City Employee of the Year, receiving the Chamber of Commerce Leadership in Government Award, and receiving recognition from the American Society for Public Administration for his efforts and initiatives addressing homelessness.
Education and professional development have also been central to Brewer’s career. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Saint Leo University in 2017 and a master’s degree in criminal justice administration from the University of South Florida in 2021. He is also a graduate of Saint Leo University’s Command Officer Management School and the Hillsborough County Police Academy.
Brewer remains active in professional and community organizations, including the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Florida Police Chiefs Association, Tampa Police Chiefs, and the Pasco County Opioid Task Force.
Brewer attributes much of his success to determination, perseverance, and a desire to exceed expectations throughout his career. His leadership philosophy emphasizes emotional intelligence, strong relationships, and meaningful connections with people as essential foundations for effective leadership and community service.
Key Areas Of Focus
- 01. Law Enforcement
- 02. Police
- 03. Criminal Justice
- 04. Non-Profits
- 05. Leadership
IN HIS OWN WORDS
The Q and A
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01
What do you attribute your success to?
I’ve always carried a bit of a chip on my shoulder. When people told me I didn’t have the education, experience, or ability to accomplish something, it motivated me to work harder and prove that I could. I’ve learned to seek advice, surround myself with good people, and never stop learning, but that internal drive to succeed has always pushed me forward.
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02
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Slow down and take in the entire situation before making a decision. In this profession, our choices can have life-altering consequences, so they should be thoughtful, deliberate, and based on the full picture. Be calculated, remain objective, and avoid making decisions in the heat of the moment. Emotional reactions often lead to poor decisions, while patience and perspective lead to better judgment.
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03
What advice would you give to young men entering your industry?
Law enforcement is an honorable and rewarding profession, but make sure it is truly what you want to do. Don’t rush the decision. Take the time to go on a ride-along, talk with officers, ask questions, and understand what the profession actually requires. Policing is very different from how it is portrayed on television. The dramatic moments like SWAT operations, pursuits, and breaking down doors make up only a small part of the job. The real work is about people: communicating, solving problems, exercising good judgment, helping someone through a difficult moment, and making decisions that can have a lasting impact on their lives. Understand the entire profession, not just the exciting parts, and then make an informed decision about whether it is the right career for you.
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04
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Hiring and retention have become increasingly difficult for law enforcement. Years of civil unrest, public criticism, and broader debates about policing have changed how many people view the profession, particularly younger generations who may not see law enforcement as the career path they once did. The constant scrutiny can make the profession less attractive, and some applicants enter the field only to discover that the realities of the job are very different from what they expected. Policing requires resilience, emotional maturity, and a thick skin. You must be prepared to make difficult decisions, accept criticism, and keep doing the job professionally even when your actions are questioned.
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05
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Emotional intelligence is one of the most important qualities a leader can develop because so much of life and leadership comes down to relationships. I view emotional intelligence as a lifelong process of learning how to better understand people, communicate effectively, and build trust. Strong relationships create cooperation, and cooperation is how things get accomplished. If you treat people well, listen to them, and show them respect, they are far more likely to trust you, support you, and work with you toward a common goal.
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