The Margate Commission welcomes its new chief, Michael Palma.
Michael Palma was named chief of the Margate Police Department.
During the August 21 meeting, the commission approved an employment agreement between Palma and the city for him to become the Chief of Police. He had been serving as interim chief.
According to city information, Palma will earn a salary of $205,000, and all insurance and disability benefits will be offered to any department head.
Palma will have unrestricted use of a city-maintained unmarked police administrative vehicle. According to city information, he will receive an annual clothing allowance of $2,000, a $80 monthly cell phone allowance, a $200 annual phone upgrade, and two mobile computing devices.
Each member of the commission congratulated Palma on becoming chief. Many of the Margate police officers attended the meeting and gave him a standing ovation.
The Margate Police Department and city leaders praised Michael Palma as he is named Margate Police Chief. {David Volz}
Palma has served in the Margate police department for 29 years and looks forward to serving the officers as a fair leader. “My goal is to have a succession plan in place. I will improve the department’s morale and ensure that all the officers are treated fairly in the promotion process,” he said.
According to Palma, having a good team is important for being a successful leader. “I am excited to be named chief,” he said.
Palma was named interim after Joe Galaska retired after controversies led to investigations. Most of the commission initially wanted to consider candidates outside the city for the position.
After discussions among the commissioners, it was decided that Palma’s experience and support among the officers would make him a good fit.
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