City of Fernandina Beach
Press Release
Submitted by Mary Hamburg
Digital Communications Specialist
www.fbfl.us
April 23, 2021
The City of Fernandina Beach is pleased to announce that Deputy Chief Mark Foxworth will be promoted to Chief of Police. He will assume command of the 42 sworn officers and 5 support staff of the Fernandina Beach Police Department (FBPD).
The current Chief, James Hurley, will retire this month after fifteen years of dedicated service to the City of Fernandina Beach and over forty total years to law enforcement.
“I have full faith and confidence in Chief Foxworth to continue the professionalism and integrity instilled in the Police Department by Chief Hurley and expected by this community,” said City Manager Dale Martin, who was responsible for making the appointment.
Foxworth, who has over 40 years of law enforcement experience, started with the FBPD in 2008, serving in the role of second-in-command, creating policy, managing the budget, and managing day-to-day operations.
Before joining FBPD, Foxworth worked with the University of North Florida Police Department, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and retired from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. He has an extensive educational and leadership background, including a Bachelor of Science from Southern Illinois University, and 400 hours of a Command Officers Development through the University of Louisville.
Outside of work, Foxworth enjoys photography and spending time with Mary, his wife of almost 40 years, their three children, and 15 grandchildren.
Says Foxworth, “I look forward to continuing Chief Hurley’s legacy of building trust with the community and making agency transparency a priority.”
In his final words to the City Commission at a proclamation in his honor, Chief Hurley said of Foxworth, “I am very, very confident in the next Police Chief, Mark Foxworth. We are planning a seamless transition.”
Although this has nothing to do with Mr. Foxworth directly, I am appalled by the lack of personal appearance of many on the force. I retired in 2001 from a sheriff’s office and it was clean shaven and personal appearance that the public views first. Granted, not the most important issue for those to serve and protect. If a person has an issue with being well groomed then possible other areas may be defecient as well. I know that in 20 years things have changed. And, if you have not worn the uniform you might not understand. I guess we just took pride in what we looked like, how we represented the office and those we served. These are crazy times for law enforcement and it appears respect is a lacking commodity. People are always watching. But of course, you know that. Be safe.