Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken Announces Promotions

Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken has announced promotions and changes to the Ocala Police Department (OPD) that will take effect on Sunday, Feb. 6.

Angy Scroble, who has worked at OPD since 1994, was promoted from captain to major. Scroble was previously head of the Office of Professional Standards but will now oversee the Special Operations Bureau.

Jamie Buchbinder, who has worked at OPD since 1995, was promoted from lieutenant to captain. Buchbinder was previously in charge of Technical Services and will now be in charge of the Office of Professional Standards.

Sergeant Kyle Howie, who has worked at OPD since 2012, was promoted to lieutenant and is assigned to the Community Policing Bureau.

Officers Justin Arnold, Jeff Lawrence, and Bill Christman were promoted to sergeants, and all are assigned to the Community Policing Bureau. Arnold has served OPD since 2012; Lawrence since 2019; and Christman since 1997.

It was also announced that Major Greg Martin will now oversee Criminal Investigative Bureau; Captain Charlie Eades will transfer to Resource Development; Captain Sandra Duryea will transfer to the Criminal Investigative Bureau; Lieutenant Michelle Green will transfer to Technical Services.