About Chief Viola

Michael Viola comes from a family of law enforcement officers. He began his career in 1989 as a patrol officer with the City of Fort Myers, FL Police Department, working his way through the ranks of Detective (undercover and general crimes), Sergeant, Lieutenant and Captain over a period of 23 years.

Prior to being selected as the Chief of Police for the Town of Milford, he served as the Captain of Administration for the Fort Myers Police Department. In his capacity, he supervised 45 civilian personnel and 3 sworn officers which encompassed the following divisions: Records, Communications, Hiring, and Recruitment, Information Technology, Youth Services, Supply and Building Maintenance.

From December 2008 through January 2012, until his assignment as Captain of Administration, he served as Captain of Operations where he was in charge of 5 Lieutenants, 132 sworn Officers and 8 civilians. While serving in this capacity, he was responsible for all patrol related activities. He was also responsible for the management of the following specialty units: Traffic, K-9, Marine, Community Policing, Public Housing, Bicycles, Violent Crimes Task Force, Community Offender Probation and Education, and the Juvenile Arrest and Motor Unit.

He is a graduate of Barry University in Fort Myers, Florida with a Master's degree of Arts in administration. He is also a 2004 Graduate of Barry University earning his Bachelor's degree in Public Administration. In 2009, he attended and graduated from the FBI National Academy Session #237. He has also attended numerous Police Management Schools.