In the historic Heritage Museum at Dodd Hall, surrounded by family, colleagues and university leaders, longtime Florida State University police officer Jason Trumbower was sworn in Tuesday as the university’s new chief of police.
Trumbower, a 26-year veteran of the FSU Police Department, was appointed as chief in April. He had served as interim chief since January and interim deputy chief for the 11 months prior. He graduated from FSU in 1998 with a bachelor’s degree in criminology and played football under Coach Bobby Bowden in 1994 and 1995.
The ceremony drew a strong show of support from the community, with local law enforcement, the Tallahassee Fire Department, Mayor John Dailey and Leon County Superintendent of Schools Rocky Hanna in attendance.
FSU President Richard McCullough opened the ceremony by welcoming guests and offering remarks on Trumbower’s appointment.
“I’d like to offer my gratitude to Chief Jason Trumbower for taking on this role,” McCullough said. “He has the knowledge, the experience and the respect of the entire department and law enforcement communities.”
Trumbower stepped into his role as chief just days before one of the university’s most difficult moments.
“On April 17, our campus faced a tragedy that shook us all,” McCullough said. “In that moment, Jason led with calm and courage. His officers responded swiftly and professionally. They protected our campus. They saved lives. And they helped restore a sense of safety at a time we desperately needed it.”
McCullough continued to say what struck many in the aftermath was Trumbower’s compassion. He reached out to those affected, supported his officers and helped the campus begin the process of healing.
“That’s what leadership looks like. And that’s why he has my full confidence,” McCullough said.
Lieutenant Greg McSwain led the invocation.
Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration Kyle Clark reflected on his years working alongside Trumbower, noting the chief’s steady presence and deep commitment to the university.
“I’ve pulled more all-nighters with Jason than anyone else,” Clark said. “Whether we were responding to an emergency or preparing for a major event, Jason was always calm, focused and fully committed to FSU.”
Clark also acknowledged the FSUPD team: “This ceremony is about the Chief, yes, but it’s also about a department — a department that shows up every day ready to serve. We see your work. We appreciate it. And we’re proud to support you.”
Assistant Vice President for Public Safety Barbara O’Connor administered the oath of office.
“Our expectations are high and they should be,” O’Connor said. “We are fortunate that we’ve found someone in Jason who not only meets those expectations but has demonstrated the ability to lead with integrity, empathy and vision.”
Trumbower’s family — his wife, Donna, and children, Toby and Lilly — joined him on stage for the ceremonial pinning of the badge.
Associate Head Football Coach Odell Haggins then presented Trumbower with a football, a nod to his days playing for the Seminoles under Coach Bobby Bowden.
“Chief Trumbower has given his heart to FSU as a player, as an officer, as a proud alumnus — and, above all, a true Seminole,” Haggins said.
In his remarks, Trumbower said he was excited about the future.
“I can promise you three things for FSUPD moving forward: We’ll work hard to foster and build meaningful relationships throughout FSU, Tallahassee and nationwide; we’ll pursue and leverage technology to keep us relevant and effective in today’s world; and we’ll be a professional organization that always treats people the way that you want your own family treated.”
As chief, Trumbower oversees a fully accredited law enforcement agency with about 90 sworn officers serving both the Tallahassee and Panama City campuses. His responsibilities include managing patrol operations, investigations, training and community engagement, as well as coordinating with local law enforcement and university departments.
During his interim tenure, Trumbower led initiatives that reduced officer vacancy rates, expanded the department’s Field Training Team and launched the “Heads Up” pedestrian safety campaign in partnership with University Communications and the City of Tallahassee.
