St. Augustine Police Chief Jennifer Michaux announced that she will retire from the St. Augustine Police Department (SAPD) on January 13, 2026, closing out a distinguished 30-year career with the department.
Chief Michaux began her service with the SAPD in 1995, proving herself and working her way up the ranks, serving in roles such as Training Sergeant, Internal Affairs Sergeant, and Patrol Sergeant, as well as Patrol Commander and Administration Commander.
Additional areas of experience also include serving as a traffic homicide investigator, motor officer, defensive tactics instructor, and field training officer. Prior to her selection as Chief, she also spearheaded the department’s accreditation initiative.
Chief Michaux made history as the first female Chief of Police for St. Augustine upon her selection in 2021 under the leadership of then City Manager John Regan. In the four years she served as Chief, Michaux was responsible for consolidating dispatch services with St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, providing for quicker response times; reassigned personnel to create a downtown bike unit and foot patrol for increased police visibility and security, and hired a nightlife manager to assist with improving quality of life for downtown residents and code enforcement issues. Internal to the department, Chief Michaux improved recruiting initiatives by developing a sponsorship program to acquire and retain quality officers.
City Manager David Birchim praised the chief for her years of service, saying, “Chief Michaux has served our community for 30 years with dedication and commitment to protecting our residents, business owners and visitors, keeping order in the Historic Downtown district, and maintaining a strong department with dedicated officers and staff.” Birchim also offered his congratulations, “We wish Chief Michaux the very best in her well-deserved retirement."
Upon announcing her retirement to the department, Chief Michaux shared, “It’s been a true honor to work with all of you during my time with SAPD. I had the privilege of growing both professionally and personally, and I will always be grateful for the 30 years I spent working here.” Additionally, she remarked, “I do not doubt that SAPD will continue to reach new heights with such an incredible group of people working together.”
Chief Michaux also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in public administration from Flagler College and is a graduate of the Florida Leadership Academy. She received an honorable discharge from the United States Navy, where she attained the rank of Petty Officer with a rate of Loadmaster.
Questions and media inquiries may be directed to St. Augustine Police Department at 904.825.1074.