Attention Members of the Public
Two or more councilpersons may be in attendance at the following:
Top Candidates for Police Chief Public Reception
January 20, 2023
John F. Kennedy Middle School
1901 Avenue S
Riviera Beach, FL 33404
Reception will begin at 6:30 p.m.
Question and Answer Session will begin at 7:30 p.m.
CANDIDATES BELOW
RIVIERA BEACH, FL. (Jan. 19, 2022) – Riviera Beach Police are inviting the public to attend the Police Chief Public Reception on Friday, January 20, 2023. The reception will begin at 6:30p.m. and a Q&A session will start at 7:30p.m. This will take place at John F. Kennedy Middle School located at 1901 Avenue S., Riviera Beach, Fla 33404. Below is the list of the top five candidates and information on their background:
Candidate Joshua Lewis:
Joshua Lewis grew up in Palm Beach County. Joshua said 27 years ago, he did a ride along with his best friend, who was a police officer for the Riviera Beach Police Department. He grew to love the police officers and the community. He’s been in law enforcement for 26 years with the Riviera Beach Police Department and currently serves as the Interim Police Chief. Lewis enjoys spending time with his wife, his two children and he loves sports. He was a travel manager for his 18-year-old son’s baseball team. His son is currently a pitcher at a local university. Lewis is also the tee-ball coach for his 6-year-old daughter. His parents are his greatest inspiration because they instilled the values and morals that he still uses today. Back in the day, Chief Lewis was ranked nationally in his division as a competitive racquetball player. When Lewis isn’t serving his community, you can find him vacationing with his friends and family. He enjoys going to the Keys at least 6 times a year, jet skiing, and spending time on the water.
Candidate Michael Coleman:
Michael Coleman is the Executive Director of a reading program and is retired from law enforcement. He was a Service Director for the City of Delray Beach and Captain for the Delray Beach Police Department. He admires Abraham Lincoln and Colin Powell for their leadership roles. Coleman served in the U.S. Army for 7 years and fought in the Gulf War. He earned a Medal of Honor for combat. He is passionate about changing lives and wants to pass his knowledge on to someone else. Coleman is married with a daughter, who motivates him. His wife is an educator and has helped him along the way on working with the community and children. Coleman loves horses and enjoys watching them train.
Candidate Thomas Herion:
Thomas Herion is the Chief of Police for the Village of Lyons in Illinois. Herion comes from a family of police officers. His father was a Chicago Police Officer, in charge of organized crime. When his father retired he was in charge of organized crime in Cook County. Herion says his father is his greatest inspiration because he led by example and was a good man—professionally and family wise. Herion is married with three children—two daughters and a son. He loves sports. His son is a Division 1 college football coach for the University of New Hampshire. Herion is also part of a bagpipe band and they perform for first responders
and military men and women who died in the line of duty."
"Candidate Major Travis Walker:
Major Travis Walker has been with the Riviera Beach Police Department for two decades and comes from a family of law enforcement. His brother is his greatest inspiration because he served as his father figure because of their age gap and his experience. He also admires his brother because he’s at the pinnacle in his career in law enforcement. He enjoys going to work every day providing services for those in the community. He says he’s worn his police uniform since 2002 and everyday day he wears it with pride. Major Walker is married with a daughter. He loves to work out to stay physically fit and enjoys spending time with friends and family.
Candidate Dr. Robin Starks:
Dr. Robin Starks is the Major of Operations for the Miami Gardens Police Department. She decided to join law enforcement because she is passionate about interacting with the community. Her mother is her greatest inspiration because she is a victim of domestic violence. Her mother became homeless and struggled with her children, but eventually overcame that life obstacle. The inspiration to interact with the community motives her to get out of bed, whether in police uniform or outside of uniform. Dr. Starks is extremely proud of her two sons. Her hobby includes interacting with her kids with her non-profit organization. She is also a business owner, so she enjoys helping entrepreneurs. When Dr. Starks is not working, you can find her officiating a basketball game.