After 24 years with the Vero Beach Police Department, Capt. Keith Touchberry will resign this month to become Police Chief for the City of Fellsmere.
Touchberry, who has received both the Meritorious Service Medal and the Lifesaving Medal while service the City of Vero Beach, was recognized at the Council meeting yesterday evening.
Addressing the Council, Touchberry said, “I just want the public to know I have thoroughly enjoyed my service here. It’s been tremendous, and it’s been tremendous because of two things. The first is our culture. We are a culture that values integrity and service. We value hiring the most qualified people, mentoring them along the way and turning them into community leaders. And the other thing I am so thankful for is the people. I am going to miss them the most. They are the highest caliber. They truly are. And I’ll make a prediction. If this City Council and future Councils continue and increases their support of this organization – its culture and its people – then I will not be the last person you see to leave to be a police chief in another city.”
Indian River Guardian 
Congragulations, Captain, you are one of the best. Difficult to see you go. We should all agree with his words that we need to value our police force and treat our officers with respect. That is the way to keep our city safe. Our tradition of honoring our employees, understanding their sacrifices, and hiring the best people possible should continue.
We came to live in Vero Beach because of people like Capt.Touchberry. Now with the impending loss of income caused by the eminent sale of the electric utility we will have to fight to maintain our services.
Good luck to you in Fellsmere.
We stood outside City Hall defending our police department in the past. Hopefully we won’t have to do that again.