The City of Titusville has officially opened applications to select its next Police Chief, following the abrupt termination of former chief John Lau in late June.

According to official notices posted by the city, the executive role offers a salary ranging between $102,128 and $168,542, with a firm application deadline set for October 1.

The search opens in the wake of a tumultuous exit for former Chief Lau, who had served the department for more than 30 years and led it since 2012.

Lau’s tenure ended abruptly on June 24 following a late-night single-vehicle rollover crash on June 23 near Barna Avenue and River Oaks Drive. Driving an unmarked city-owned 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe, Lau left the roadway around 11:17 p.m. and flipped the vehicle multiple times before it came to rest on its side.

Responding Titusville officers reported finding a partially consumed bottle of Ketel One vodka and a metal cup smelling strongly of alcohol inside the wreckage. Consequently, Interim Police Chief Tyler Wright directed a commander to request that Lau undergo a breath or blood alcohol test at the hospital.

Lau refused the test, leading City Manager Tom Abbate to immediately terminate his employment for cause due to violations of city personnel policy regarding drug and alcohol testing.

Although the Florida Highway Patrol investigated the collision, troopers noted they lacked probable cause to launch a criminal DUI investigation because the responding trooper arrived over an hour later at the hospital and did not observe direct signs of impairment. No criminal charges were filed.

Deputy Chief Tyler “TJ” Wright currently serves as Interim Chief as the municipality navigates the recruitment process to secure permanent leadership for the department.

Interested candidates can apply or review benefit details by visiting Titusville.com/PoliceChief before the October 1 cutoff.