Our People

Chief Mary Farrand has been with GPD since 2001, having come to us with experience as a dispatcher for the Clearwater Police Department. Mary was promoted to commander in 2012 after 7 years as a sergeant (5 as a patrol sergeant and 2 in the Office of Professional Standards).  She served in roles as the Operations Commander and the Commander of the Professional Standards Division, which oversees Accreditation, training, and internal investigations.  Among her more notable achievements, Chief Farrand received the officer-of-the-year award in 2005.

Chief Farrand has a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice with a specialization in Behavioral Studies from Saint Leo University. She is a graduate of the Florida Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar. She is a law enforcement instructor and has advanced certifications in hostage negotiations, background investigations, internal affairs, traffic enforcement-related topics and is a Force Science Analyst.

Chief Farrand is a member of the following professional organizations: National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE), FBI – Law Enforcement Leadership Association (FBI –LEEDA), Tampa Bay Area Chiefs of Police Association (TBACPA), Florida Police Chiefs’ Association (FPCA), and the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP).

Captain Thomas Woodman was promoted to his current role in 2025 and now leads the Investigative Services Division at the Gulfport Police Department. He’s been with the department since 2006 and has served in a number of roles over the years, including Detective Sergeant, Field Training Officer, and Marine Patrol Operator. His experience and leadership have made him a key part of the team.

Before joining the department, Captain Woodman served in the United States Army, where he was named Soldier of the Cycle during basic training—an honor given to the top soldier in the group. He later earned his Bachelor’s degree in Criminology from the University of South Florida, graduating Cum Laude.

​In 2023, he was named Officer of the Year, a reflection of his dedication and contributions to both the department and the community.

Captain Jesse Kellington has proudly served with the Gulfport Police Department since September 2003. Prior to joining the department, he spent four years with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office in the Jail Division, where he began his law enforcement career. Since joining Gulfport, Captain Kellington has served in numerous assignments, including patrol officer, field training officer, undercover detective, patrol sergeant, special operations sergeant, and patrol captain.

Throughout his career, Captain Kellington has been passionate about training and professional development. He serves as the department’s lead firearms instructor and is certified as a defensive tactics, ASP baton, oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray, Taser, and active assailant instructor. He has dedicated many years to training and mentoring new officers while also developing experienced personnel through advanced tactical instruction.

Captain Kellington has also served on the Gulfport Police Marine Unit since 2007. His extensive experience in marine law enforcement has made him a valuable resource for boating safety, maritime enforcement, search and rescue operations, and emergency response on the waters surrounding Gulfport.

Captain Kellington oversees the department’s Patrol Division, providing leadership and support to the officers and supervisors who serve the community 24 hours a day. His leadership philosophy centers on leading by example, investing in officer development, and fostering strong relationships between the police department and the community.

With more than two decades of law enforcement experience, Captain Kellington remains committed to professionalism, integrity, and public service. He considers it a privilege to serve the City of Gulfport and is proud to work alongside the dedicated men and women of the Gulfport Police Department in keeping the community safe

Sergeant Michael Vandenberg was promoted to sergeant in 2008 after spending five years as a patrol officer and field training officer. He currently leads the Bravo Patrol Squad, guiding his team through daily patrol operations with experience and dedication.

Sergeant Vandenberg graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology. Before joining the Gulfport Police Department, he completed a professional internship with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, gaining valuable hands-on experience early in his career.
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He’s also one of only two officers in Gulfport certified to investigate fatal traffic crashes, a critical responsibility that requires a high level of expertise. Additionally, Sergeant Vandenberg is a certified instructor in emergency vehicle operations, helping train others in safe and effective driving techniques, and manages our field training program.

Sergeant Michael Marotta earned his promotion after nearly nine years of dedicated service with the Gulfport Police Department. Before becoming a Sergeant, he spent much of his time investigating DUI cases and training new officers through our field training program. Today, he leads the Delta Patrol Squad, guiding his team with experience and commitment.

Sergeant Marotta holds an Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice from Harrisburg Area Community College in Pennsylvania. He’s one of our most highly trained officers, with over 900 hours of specialized training and advanced certifications in areas like Traffic Enforcement, Crisis Intervention, and Marine Patrol. He’s also a graduate of the 24th Session of the Florida Criminal Justice Executive Institute’s Leadership Academy.
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Recognized for his outstanding work, Sergeant Marotta was named Officer of the Year in 2004 and is the only police employee to have received the Meritorious Service Medal twice—a true testament to his dedication and excellence.

Sergeant Wiltse joined the Gulfport Police Department in March 2006 after earning her Bachelor’s degree in Criminology from the University of South Florida. She later went on to complete her Master’s degree in Criminology at St. Leo University.
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Currently, Sergeant Wiltse leads the Alpha Patrol Squad and was honored as the 2014 Officer of the Year. She holds several advanced certifications, including Field Training Officer, Sex Crimes Investigator, and Breath Test Operator. On top of that, she’s a certified Crime Prevention Practitioner and an active member of the Crisis Intervention Team.

Sergeant Jason Motte joined the Gulfport Police Department in 2006. He worked as a patrol officer, a member of our marine patrol unit, an acting sergeant, a field training officer, an explorer advisor, and a school resource officer.

Sergeant Motte has received two Commendation awards, a Meritorious Service award, and a Purple Heart. He has completed the following advanced certifications: speed measurement operator, interview & interrogations, Crisis Intervention Team training, breath test operator, field training officer, and school resource officer.

Sergeant Motte has an associate’s degree from St Petersburg College.

The Gulfport Police Department hired Sergeant Janovich in July 2018. He was an officer with the Pinellas Park Police Department for thirteen years and the Easton (Pennsylvania) Police Department for two years. He has advanced certifications in speed measurement and crisis intervention and has served as a law enforcement instructor and field training officer.

As a K9 handler, Sergeant Janovich and K9 “Cezar” have serviced the Gulfport community as partners since completing K9 school in 2021.

Sergeant Janovich graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelor’s in Science in Administration of Justice. In 2021, he was recognized as Officer of the Year.