Longboat police officer Adam Montfort promoted to sergeant

After less than two years with the department, Longboat Key Police officer Adam Montfort was recently promoted to sergeant. 

However, his service did not start on Longboat Key. Before moving to the barrier island, Montfort worked in New York where he served in a number of departments and took on a handful of roles including emergency dispatcher and investigator.

From 2010 to 2016, he served as a sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps. 

His time with the department started December 2021 after a mutual friend of Chief George Turner told him about the potential for position openings. 

“I was frustrated with how expensive New York was and the cold weather,” he said of the initial draw to the area. 

After less than two years with this department, because of his law enforcement background service in the Marine Corps, he decided to pursue the written test needed to be considered for promotion. Like in New York, he has taken on numerous assignments including patrol officer, field training officer and shift supervisor. 

“We have a very strict process for promotions that requires a certain minimum qualifications that all officers have to meet,” Turner said. “It has to do with their past training, years on the job, education, military experience.” 

After passing the written portion, he went in front of a board for an oral interview to gauge if he would be a good fit and desire to take on extra responsibility. 

After Sergeant Craig Smith retired from the department, Montfort was the next in line based on the department’s eligibility list. 

Courtesy photo

“We’re very happy to have him on board here,” Turner said. “He’s already doing a great job as a sergeant.”

The department tends to hire experienced officers, with many coming from New York to work, live and eventually retire in the area. 

A frequent stand-out part of the job for Longboat Key officers, Montfort included, is the people they serve and their kindness and appreciation toward officers. 

“Here, everyone’s so friendly,” Montfort said. “It’s not something I am used to from working up in New York. You didn’t get people coming up, approaching you to say ‘hey, how’s your day?’ and thanking you for your service. It makes you feel good about what you’re doing because it’s not an easy job.” 

This kindness from residents and visitors to the barrier island keeps up the appeal of the area and the job. 

“I don’t plan on going anywhere for a very long time,” he said.