UCF’s associate vice president of public safety recently announced his retirement after 11 years of service to the university and a career defined by leadership, integrity and compassion.

At a celebration held in his honor, Metzger reflected on what has mattered most throughout his decades of service.

“Working in law enforcement isn’t always easy, but it’s the relationships you build along the way that make it all worthwhile.” — Carl Metzger ’03MS, associate vice president of public safety

“The one thing that stands out the most is the people,” he says.

Metzger began his career as a patrol officer with the Orlando Police Department, rising through the ranks to become the patrol services bureau commander. In 2014, he joined the UCF Police Department (UCFPD) as deputy chief over the operations bureau and was named chief in 2018 following Chief Emeritus Richard Beary’s retirement. In Summer 2025, Metzger stepped down as chief but continued serving as UCF’s associate vice president of public safety.

An Impactful Legacy

As chief, Metzger led UCF through public safety responses to multiple hurricanes, managed logistics for high-profile events such as ESPN’s College GameDay and Fox’s Big Noon Kickoff, and oversaw the university’s transition into the Big 12 Conference — a shift that significantly increased the complexity of game day operations.

He also established key priorities for the department, including enhanced active threat response training and building hardening initiatives. Although UCFPD officers had already received state-mandated active threat training, Metzger pushed for more immersive, realistic preparation. Under his leadership, officers began participating in annual simulations featuring the sights, sounds and even smells of real-life crisis scenarios — an approach he says is critical for developing instinctive, second-nature responses.

Metzger further led substantial upgrades to campus security infrastructure, including the installation of additional cameras and access control systems. Today, most campus buildings can be locked down instantly at the push of a button.

At his farewell ceremony, a common theme emerged among guest speakers: Metzger led with compassion, empathy and excellence.

“You have led with a steady hand and an open heart, always putting people first,” says Student Government President and Board of Trustees member Luci Blanco at the ceremony. “You have modeled what it means to lead with empathy and to serve with grace, and I think that is the greatest legacy any leader can leave behind.”

Recently appointed UCF Chief of Police Robin Griffin-Kitzerow also expressed gratitude for Metzger’s mentorship and acknowledged she has big shoes to fill.

“Some shoes aren’t meant to be filled because they are as unique and special as the person who wore them,” Chief Griffin-Kitzerow says. “We can never replace you, but we’ll continue on the path you set and remain grateful for the lessons that inspired our growth and helped make UCFPD a premier law enforcement agency.”

A Champion for Mental Health

Beyond his operational leadership, Metzger has been a dedicated champion for mental health, consistently advocating for expanded resources to support both the community and law enforcement officers. Under his leadership, UCFPD became the first law enforcement agency in Central Florida to achieve 100% crisis intervention training for all sworn officers, ensuring they are equipped to respond to individuals experiencing mental health crises with compassion and effectiveness.

He also spearheaded suicide prevention efforts, including hosting QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) trainings for law enforcement and the broader community. His initiatives included wearing green patches during Mental Health Awareness Month, wrapping a police cruiser in green, participating in NAMI’s annual 5K and organizing a campus walk that raised over $15,000 for suicide prevention. Metzger also served on the boards of the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Greater Orlando and Central Florida Cares.

Looking Ahead

Although his retirement closes a remarkable chapter, Metzger’s impact on UCF and the broader community will be felt for years to come.

“Thank you to my public safety family for 11 years of teamwork and service,” Metzger says. “Together, we built what I believe is the most professional campus public safety department in the nation, with a culture of caring and excellence that is second to none.”

He will succeed incoming Chief Robin Griffin-Kitzerow, whose promotion was announced earlier this month. Griffin-Kitzerow shared her enthusiasm about continuing to work alongside Freeman.

“In the last few years, I have come to know Scott as an incredibly hard worker who genuinely and deeply cares about our agency, personnel and community,” says Griffin-Kitzerow. “His heart for service is present in everything he does.”

For Freeman, the appointment is a deeply personal milestone — one that reflects years of dedication and professional growth.

“I am both honored and humbled by this opportunity,” says Freeman. “With a steadfast commitment to excellence, I will work tirelessly to support our officers and strengthen our bond with the community we proudly serve. Together, we will continue to raise the standard of care and keep our campus safe.”

A Journey of Service

Freeman’s career at UCFPD began in 2005 as a civilian community service officer before the department sponsored him to attend the police academy. Upon graduation, he was immediately sworn in as an officer. Over the years, he steadily rose through the ranks — from patrol officer to incoming deputy chief — serving in various investigative roles, including four years with the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation Task Force.

Most recently Freeman served as major over the Operations Bureau, where he oversaw police operations for both the main and regional patrol divisions, the Criminal Investigations Division and the Community Outreach Unit.

Among his many professional accomplishments, Freeman completed esteemed leadership programs through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Florida Police Chiefs Association. He also graduated from the prestigious 285th session of the FBI National Academy — becoming only the second UCFPD officer to do so and joining the elite 1% of law enforcement professionals nationwide selected for this honor.

A proud UCF alumnus, Freeman holds a bachelor’s degree in and a graduate certificate in police leadership. He also recently earned a master’s degree in public safety from the University of Virginia.

Carl Metzger ’03MS, who has served as chief since 2018,  will remain the associate vice president of public safety, overseeing the university’s broader safety portfolio, including UCF Police, Victim Services, Emergency Management and the Department of Security.

With safety a top priority for UCF, President Alexander N. Cartwright says these key transitions will further enhance our unwavering commitment to security and well-being across UCF’s campuses.

“Incoming Chief Griffin-Kitzerow is a proven leader whose compassion, expertise and proactive approach to campus safety have earned the trust of our community,” Cartwright says. “As she steps into this critical role, and as her fantastic predecessor, Chief Metzger, continues to provide strategic oversight and vision, we are well-positioned to continue our efforts to provide a safe, welcoming environment for our students, faculty, employees and visitors.”

Griffin-Kitzerow expresses her gratitude and appreciation to the Public Safety family and university community.

“I am thrilled to serve as the UCF Police Department’s next chief of police,” Griffin-Kitzerow says. “This role comes with a legacy of excellence built by an incredible team of sworn law enforcement officers and support staff, and I am committed to leading as we continue our important mission to keep UCF a safe, secure environment for all.”

That legacy includes the steady leadership of Metzger, who will continue serving ��AV in a strategic role focused on public safety across the university.

“Incoming Chief Griffin-Kitzerow is an exceptional leader whose vision, integrity and dedication will serve UCFPD well. I look forward to continuing to work alongside her to build an even stronger, safer future for our university,” Chief Metzger says. “I remain deeply committed to advancing strategic public safety initiatives across our campuses and working with the talented leaders, officers, and employees across UCF Public Safety.”

Incoming Chief Griffin-Kitzerow: A Dedicated Public Servant

Since joining UCFPD as deputy chief in 2022, Incoming Chief Griffin-Kitzerow has been a driving force behind transformative initiatives in crisis response, threat management and officer development.

With a career spanning more than three decades in public safety and education, Incoming Chief Griffin-Kitzerow brings a unique blend of law enforcement practice and psychological expertise. She recently earned a doctoral degree in forensic psychology, adding to her already impressive academic credentials, which include two master’s degrees — one in psychology, one in public administration and another in forensic psychology — and a bachelor’s degree in organizational management.

Before coming to UCF, she served as deputy chief at Florida Atlantic University Police Department and spent 20 years in leadership roles with the Palm Beach County School District.

In 2018, Griffin-Kitzerow led a juvenile rehabilitation effort in Palm Beach County. In response to the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in the same year, she developed a proactive strategy to identify and manage potential threats before they could escalate. This vision led to the creation of a multi-disciplinary investigations division focused on threat assessment and intervention.

She brought that same approach to UCFPD, where she has worked to support and enhance the Threat Management Team into a comprehensive unit of detectives, an intelligence analyst and a mental health clinician that works collaboratively to monitor individuals of concern.

Her expertise and leadership has not gone unnoticed outside the university. Incoming Chief Griffin-Kitzerow was recently elected president of the Central Florida Criminal Justice Association and serves on the boards of Central Florida Cares and the Central Florida Intelligence Exchange. She is also a sought-after speaker on threat mitigation strategies, frequently presenting to school districts and public safety panels across the country.

Beyond safety, she is also passionate about shaping the future of law enforcement. She has spearheaded UCFPD’s recruitment efforts, launching Explorer and cadet programs that tap into the university’s talent pool of criminal justice majors. The department also sponsored qualified graduates to attend the law enforcement academy, creating a direct pipeline from classroom to career.

As she steps into her new role, Incoming Chief Griffin-Kitzerow becomes UCF’s first-ever “Dr. Chief” — a title that reflects both her subject matter expertise and her unwavering dedication to public service.

Chief Carl Metzger: A Legacy of Leadership

As he transitions from his role as chief of police to continue serving as associate vice president (AVP) for public safety, Metzger carries forward a legacy of steady leadership, innovation and unwavering commitment to the UCF community.

Chief Metzger, who will continue to provide oversight to Public Safety’s more than 130 sworn and civilian personnel across UCF Police, Victim Services, Emergency Management and the Department of Security, has been at the helm during some of the university’s most transformative years. Since beginning his tenure as chief in 2018, Metzger has demonstrated calm, capable leadership — overseeing public safety responses to numerous hurricanes, managing the logistics of high-profile events like ESPN’s College GameDay and Fox’s Big Noon Kickoff, and guiding UCF through its expansion into the Big 12 Conference, which significantly increased the complexity of game day operations.

Before joining UCFPD as deputy chief in 2014, Chief Metzger spent 26 years with the Orlando Police Department, rising through the ranks and serving in patrol, administrative services and special operations.

Upon becoming Chief, Metzger established key priorities for the department, including enhanced active threat response and expanded mental health resources for both the community and officers. He also managed a budget of approximately $15 million annually.

While UCFPD officers already received the state-mandated active threat training, Chief Metzger pushed for more immersive, realistic preparation. Under his leadership, officers began participating in annual simulations that include the sights, sounds and even smells of real-life crisis scenarios — something he says is critical for officers to practice until it becomes second-nature.

He also oversaw significant upgrades to campus security infrastructure, including the installation of additional cameras and access control systems. Today, most campus buildings can be locked down instantly at the push of a button.

Chief Metzger shares Incoming Chief Griffin-Kitzerow’s belief in preventing violence before it occurs. Under his leadership, UCFPD became the first law enforcement agency in Central Florida to achieve 100% crisis intervention training (CIT) for its sworn officers. This training equips officers to respond compassionately and effectively to individuals experiencing mental health crises.

He also championed suicide prevention efforts, frequently hosting QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) training sessions for both law enforcement and the broader community. His initiatives included wearing green patches during Mental Health Awareness Month, wrapping a police cruiser in green, participating in NAMI’s annual 5K and organizing a campus walk that raised over $15,000 for suicide prevention.

Collaboration remains a cornerstone of Chief Metzger’s leadership and role as AVP. He worked closely with the Orlando Police Department and other local agencies to launch a regional emergency response team trained in crowd control and bicycle response tactics. When UCF expanded to its downtown campus, he helped establish a regional patrol division to oversee UCF Downtown, the Rosen College of Hospitality Management and the College of Medicine in Lake Nona.

With decades of experience and a network of strong law enforcement partnerships, Chief Metzger is well-positioned to continue shaping public safety at ��AV in his ongoing role as AVP. His legacy is one of innovation, compassion and a deep commitment to the safety and well-being of the UCF community.

What’s Next for Public Safety

Incoming Chief Griffin-Kitzerow will be formally sworn in later this summer. Until then, she will continue working alongside colleagues and community partners to ensure a smooth transition focused on maintaining the safety and well-being of the campus and surrounding community.

The department recognized recipients of its Lifesaving and Of the Year awards, while Chief Carl Metzger ’03MS presented the prestigious Chief’s Award to a longtime staff member. The ceremony also recognized winners of commendations, community partnership awards and physical abilities awards.

After being nominated and voted on by their peers, winners were selected and reviewed by award committee members.

2024 Chief’s, Of the Year and Lifesaving Award Winners

Chief’s Award: Christine Mouton ’98 ’01MS

With 20 years of dedication to UCF, Christine Mouton ’98 ’01MS exemplifies visionary, compassionate and effective leadership. Her unwavering commitment transformed Victim Services into a vital resource for those in need, significantly impacting Central Florida communities. Mouton’s leadership extends far beyond UCF, making her a key figure in disaster response organizations. She’s advocated for effective mass casualty responses and the support of families during crises. She’s responded to and established family and victim resource centers following 9/11, the Pulse nightclub tragedy and the Las Vegas mass casualty incidents. As an expert member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and FBI victim services committees, she helped guide the national response to victim assistance. Mouton’s extensive knowledge has made her a trusted resource in the Orlando community, addressing victim support and the root causes of violence. One of her most impressive accomplishments was helping develop a dating and domestic violence screening tool that identifies and support victims, creating a lasting impact on the UCF community and the Orlando area. Additionally, as Public Safety’s grant manager, she secured and managed more than $3 million in funding for four departments throughout her career.

Crisis Intervention Officer of the Year: Andres Carbone

Mental health remains a growing concern, with many in the UCF community facing challenges more than ever before. Thanks to Andres Carbone’s quick response to a call about a self-harm attempt, a student received the medical help she needed and was placed in protective custody. A week later, the student reached out to thank Carbone for his help and compassion, sharing that she was going through a tough time and recognized him from previous interactions, which made everything a little easier. Beyond this incident, Carbone also responded to two suicide attempts that resulted in Baker Acts.

Dispatcher of the Year: Grace Ehle

Dispatchers are an invaluable asset, not only supporting their agency and officers, but also serving as the reassuring voice the public depends on in emergencies. Grace Ehle is known for always staying one step ahead — anticipating the details officers need, checking security camera footage, reviewing prior contacts made or history with law enforcement. She maintains clear, concise communication in every situation, earning deep appreciation from several officers for her work.

DUI Officer of the Year: Isabella Sanchez

Ensuring our roads are safe is a shared responsibility, and the UCF Police Department (UCFPD) is dedicated to preventing impaired driving on campus and in the surrounding area. This award, based on statistics, recognizes the officer with the most DUI arrests of the year — seven in 2024. Although this number may seem modest, such arrests are often limited due to UCFPD’s jurisdictional boundaries and participation in county-wide details. Impaired drivers can cause devastating, life-altering crashes, and thanks to Isabella Sanchez’s efforts, seven potential tragedies were likely prevented.

Field Training Officer of the Year: Roman Watkins

UCFPD sets high expectations for new officers, offering a comprehensive training program that includes eight weeks of classroom instruction followed by three months of field training with an experienced officer. Roman Watkins has consistently been available for all types of training, from supporting new officers-in-training on the night shift to assisting his squad and the agency with defensive tactics and firearms training, and even serving as an additional instructor during last year’s block training. Even beyond the field training offer phase, he continued to offer guidance and assistance, making himself available during his family leave after the birth of his first child.

Officer of the Year: Freddie Tirado Jr.

Freddie Tirado Jr. works tirelessly to make UCF’s campus a safe place for students, faculty and staff. His persistence in checking buildings and areas that are known for having trespassers led to several arrests in the first quarter of the year. During one of these patrols, he caught a burglary suspect in the act, resulting in an arrest and the return of the stolen items to their owner. Recognizing the importance of community engagement, Tirado Jr. took it upon himself to mentor and guide younger officers. Always available to help lead training for his squad, he consistently demonstrates a positive, can-do attitude while on shift.

Partner of the Year: Administration and Finance Information Technology

This team is essential to departmental operations, consistently going above and beyond to ensure the safety, security and efficiency of public safety. Their responsibilities, which include managing equipment, developing and maintaining websites, and protecting data, are vital for daily functions. In 2024, their contributions were especially impactful during the relocation of the Victim Services office, where they ensured continuous service for victims. They upgraded systems and implemented new software, improving crime data management and communication reliability. Their behind-the-scenes work directly impacted the safety of officers and the community, and their expertise, reliability, and dedication are integral to the agency’s success.

Professional Staff Member of the Year: Lindsay Beers

Whether identifying crime patterns, uncovering crucial details or providing immediate investigative support during calls, Lindsay Beers played a vital role in solving crimes and enhancing campus safety. She took initiative, regularly seeking out ways to help detectives work their cases — sometimes even before they’d been assigned. In 2024, she completed 41 bulletins, 23 work-ups, nine photo line ups and assisted in identifying suspects in several criminal cases. Not only is she an asset to the team professionally, she’s credited as being a pleasure to work with by her colleagues, and always cheerful and reliable.

Professional Staff Supervisor of the Year: Shawna Meyers

Shawna Meyers is an indispensable asset to UCFPD, juggling numerous roles and ensuring everything is done proficiently, professionally and correctly. Her expertise in handling paperwork, arrest packets, and evidence upholds the agency’s policies and procedures in court, and she is a knowledgeable resource for both officers and staff members. Meyers and her team also handled more than 2,600 public record requests last year, ensuring that the agency complied with state statute. Her friendly demeanor and willingness to provide guidance make her a joy to work with, and her contributions are immeasurable and essential to the department’s success.

Rookie of the Year: Adriel Rivera Aponte

Adriel Rivera Aponte has been an exceptional addition to the UCFPD team, surpassing expectations for a recruit. His name frequently appears in cases, not only for responding to calls, but also for his proactive patrolling, addressing suspicious individuals and conducting traffic stops. Additionally, he has demonstrated both skill and compassion in handling mental health-related calls, responding to three Baker Acts and four wellbeing checks in 2024. He also made 18 arrests, conducted 416 traffic stops and handled 11 drug-related calls in 2024.

Senior Leader of the Year: Steven Freund

Though most of his work happens behind-the-scenes, Steven Freund is an exceptional leader whose dedication and vision have profoundly impacted Public Safety. Under his leadership, his team has upgraded campus security technology that’s frequently used to prevent and solve crimes. He’s leveraged relationships with key campus stakeholders and is often consulted on major university construction projects across all four UCF campuses. In 2024, the Department of Security started a camera replacement project and added license plate readers to parking garages, helping officers detect suspect vehicles. On a personal level, Freund continued his own professional development while his mentorship boosted team morale and contributed to professional growth.

Sworn Supervisor of the Year: Terrell Alexander ’18 ’23MS

Terrell Alexander ’18 ’23MS’s colleagues highly regard him as an outstanding supervisor who consistently prioritizes the well-being and development of his officers. He ensured that officers were available to represent UCFPD at necessary trainings and conferences while also advancing their individual educational growth. Always available for support when needed, Alexander trusted his team to do the right thing. Recently, he took on a new role in the Community Partnerships Unit, where he has hit the ground running.

Team of the Year: Victim Services (Mandy Broderick, Nick Dumercy, Christine Mouton, Olivia Oles and Laura Valle)

Despite their small size, the Victim Services team provides essential services and organizes impactful community events, such as the Greater Orlando Domestic Violence Vigil, Victims’ Rights Week and Denim Day. Last year, the team facilitated the UCF’s Green Dot Bystander Intervention Program trainings and delivered 14 educational presentations to various community members. Their emotional resilience and unwavering dedication are evident as they work on-call to provide continuous support for victims, even implementing a new chat feature on their website last year. In 2024, their department oversaw 319 cases, closing 266 of them — an impressive accomplishment despite staffing challenges and a physical office move.

Lifesaving Award: Adriel Rivera Aponte, Amber Charles and Elaina Little

In August, UCFPD was alerted that a former student was threatening self-harm but no location details were available. Dispatch Supervisor Amber Charles acted quickly, searching campus license plate readers and finding a hit from a parking garage. While officers responded, she searched the security cameras at the top of the garage and spotted a man sitting on a ledge. Officers Adriel Rivera Aponte and Elaina Little arrived, and after a brief conversation, Aponte pulled the former student to safety. A suicide note found nearby confirmed that their timely actions saved a life that day.

Lifesaving Award: Tommy Duhart

During a high school graduation ceremony, UCFPD received a call to help an elderly woman who was choking. Officer Tommy Duhart was the first to arrive on scene and immediately began performing the Heimlich maneuver. Within seconds, he successfully dislodged the food, allowing her to breathe. The woman was medically cleared and, thanks to Duhart, was able to watch her loved one walk across the stage.

Lifesaving Award: Frank Imparato

While heading to work last summer, Sergeant Frank Imparato noticed a man sitting on the ledge of an overpass in Maitland, Florida. After notifying the Maitland Police Department, Imparato approached the individual and began establishing a rapport with him. A Maitland officer soon arrived, and together they successfully talked the man away from the ledge and ensured he received the help he needed.

Lifesaving Award: Monica Quimbayo

When a UCF student left a letter expressing suicidal thoughts, detective Monica Quimbayo jumped into action. She connected with the student over the phone, who shared feelings of depression and doubts about therapy. Through a casual conversation about an old rock band, Quimbayo kept the student engaged until help arrived. The student was safely located, placed under protective custody and later received mental health support under the Baker Act.

“We’re both excited and proud to welcome these two fine young men to the public safety family,” UCF Police Chief Carl Metzger ’03MS says. “A lot is required of a law enforcement officer, and they have the courage and the fortitude to choose this career. There aren’t many professions where you put your life on the line to protect and defend a perfect stranger.”

The new officers will be assigned to the patrol division upon completion of their field-training program, where they will spend several weeks paired with senior officers to gain hands-on experience in the field before graduating to solo patrol.

Meet the Officers

• Originally from Key Largo, Florida, Gabe Rubiales ’23 is a former UCF Police intern who was sponsored by the agency to attend the law enforcement academy. A UCF alum with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, Rubiales is looking forward to engaging with the community and having positive interactions with students. When he’s not working, he’s an avid outdoorsman who loves spending time on the water or in the woods.
• Soon-to-be UCF grad Ethan Temperato previously worked as a substitute teacher before making the switch to law enforcement. He chose the UCF Police Department because of the opportunities available to officers and the ability to interact with a complex community. Fun fact: Ethan is a competitive bodybuilder and has even taken home a few trophies.

A live stream of the swearing-in ceremony can be viewed .

This group features a UCF alumna and a 15-year Coast Guard veteran, both of whom have previous law enforcement experience.

“The UCF community is in great hands with these officers,” says UCF Police Chief Carl Metzger ’03MS. “We strive to be the professional, progressive and innovative campus police department in the nation and I’m confident that Elaina and Jordan will help us to continue to achieve that goal.”

At their swearing-in ceremony, UCF Police Deputy Chief Robin Griffin-Kitzerow offered her words of wisdom for the new officers.

“As you go forward and make a difference in the lives of others, make sure that you’re mindful of your image,” Griffin-Kitzerow says. “The three measures of that are the organization, the badge — or the profession as a whole — and your family name. We’re here for you and we support you and we’re so glad to have you here.”

The two newest patrol officers recently completed their classroom training and will now hit the road on the main campus. They will spend several weeks paired with senior officers to receive hands-on experience out in the field before graduating to solo patrol.

The new officers are:

• Elaina Little ’20, a UCF criminal justice alumna and current graduate student who previously served with the Winter Garden Police Department.
• Jordan Savage, who is originally from Mississippi and served in the United States Coast Guard for 15 years.

During the ceremony, UCFPD also recognized recently promoted individuals, including:

• Gerard Flood, who was promoted from corporal in September 2022.
• Pete Stephens ’92, who was promoted from corporal in September 2022.
• Alex DeLuca ’15, who was promoted from officer first class in January 2023.
• Rebeca Alonso, who was promoted to dispatch manager in January 2023.
• Shawna Meyers ’02, who was promoted to law enforcement records specialist II in April 2022.

A live-stream of the ceremony can be viewed .