About Police Chief Eric Pedersen

Chief Eric Pedersen was appointed as the Chief of Police for the Mascotte Police Department in March 2016, bringing with him nearly 36 years of diverse and distinguished service in law enforcement. Throughout his career, Chief Pedersen has held a wide range of operational, investigative, and leadership roles, reflecting his deep commitment to public safety and progressive policing.

His experience spans patrol operations, criminal investigations, traffic operations, officer training, crime prevention, and community relations. This breadth of experience has allowed Chief Pedersen to develop a comprehensive understanding of modern policing challenges and strategies, with a strong emphasis on community engagement and interagency collaboration.

Chief Pedersen holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Columbia College and is a proud graduate of the Southern Police Institute Command Officers Development Course, a prestigious program focused on advanced leadership, management, and organizational development in law enforcement.

Under his leadership, the Mascotte Police Department has focused on enhancing community trust, professional standards, and departmental readiness while actively working toward law enforcement accreditation. Chief Pedersen remains dedicated to building a department that is responsive, transparent, and driven by service to the community.

About Lieutenant Chris Villafane

Lieutenant Chris Villafane serves as the Administrative Lieutenant for the Mascotte Police Department, overseeing internal operations, personnel management, policy development, and support services. With a law enforcement career spanning over a decade, starting in 2013, Lieutenant Villafane brings extensive experience and a strong commitment to professionalism, accountability, and agency growth.

Throughout his career, Lieutenant Villafane has held a variety of assignments including patrol supervision, investigations, training, and administrative oversight. His diverse background has equipped him with the operational knowledge and leadership skills necessary to manage the internal functions of the department effectively and efficiently.

As the department’s administrative lead, Lieutenant Villafane is responsible for policy compliance, records management, internal coordination, and resource planning. He works closely with command staff to ensure that department operations align with legal standards, accreditation requirements, and the agency’s strategic goals.

Known for his collaborative leadership style and strong organizational acumen, Lieutenant Villafane plays a key role in supporting both frontline officers and executive staff. His dedication to maintaining high standards of service and internal accountability continues to support the department's mission of delivering professional and community-focused law enforcement services.

About Lieutenant Taylor Oldham

Lieutenant Taylor Oldham serves as the Operations Lieutenant for the Mascotte Police Department, where he oversees a broad range of responsibilities including patrol operations, training coordination, grant management, accreditation, and strategic planning. With a law enforcement career that began in 2012, Lieutenant Oldham brings over a decade of diverse experience and proven leadership to his role.

Lieutenant Oldham holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration with a concentration in Criminal Justice, a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration with a concentration in Forensics, and has begun pursuing his Ph.D. in Criminal Justice: Leadership. His professional background includes prior service as a road patrol sergeant, field training coordinator, and policy administrator. He currently leads the department’s efforts in accreditation through the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA) and is instrumental in ensuring compliance with professional standards and best practices.

In addition to his administrative duties, Lieutenant Oldham is the department’s lead training coordinator, managing in-service and civilian firearm programs, tactical instruction, and policy-based training initiatives. He also plays a critical role in grant acquisition and management, securing funding for equipment, safety programs, and officer development.

Lieutenant Oldham is deeply committed to officer readiness, community engagement, and operational excellence. His leadership continues to support the department's mission of service, integrity, and professionalism.

About Administrative Assistant Melissa Florence

Melissa Florence serves as the Administrative Assistant for the Mascotte Police Department, where she plays a vital role in supporting the daily operations and administrative functions of the agency. With exceptional attention to detail, organizational skill, and dedication to service, Melissa ensures the smooth and efficient flow of internal processes critical to the department’s success.

In her role, Melissa is responsible for coordinating communications, managing records and documentation, assisting with scheduling, and supporting both command staff and officers with administrative needs. She also serves as a liaison between the department and other city departments, as well as the public, ensuring that inquiries and requests are handled promptly and professionally.

Melissa’s professionalism, reliability, and positive attitude make her a key asset to the department. Her behind-the-scenes contributions are essential to maintaining the operational readiness, responsiveness, and public accessibility of the Mascotte Police Department.