The City of Titusville has officially appointed Tyler “TJ” Wright as its new chief of police, removing the interim tag he has held since the summer.

Wright, a 19-year veteran of the Titusville Police Department, will assume his new permanent role on Nov. 2. He permanently replaces former Chief John Lau, who was fired in June after an off-duty crash in a city vehicle and a subsequent refusal to take a drug and alcohol test.

As chief, Wright will oversee public safety operations, community engagement, and law enforcement services for the city. During his nearly two decades with the department, Wright has served in various capacities, rising from a police officer to deputy chief before being named interim chief earlier this year.

City Manager Tom Abbate cited Wright’s deep local roots and focus on community partnerships as key factors in the decision.

“Chief Wright has served Titusville for 19 years,” Abbate said. “He knows our neighborhoods, our schools and our people, and he understands that good policing starts with relationships. I have full confidence he will build on the department’s strengths and keep Titusville a safe place to live, work and raise a family.”

Wright emphasized his dedication to preparing the agency for Brevard County’s evolving public safety needs.

“I believe our greatest investment will always be in our people, and I am committed to developing the next generation of leaders while embracing innovation, accountability and transparency,” Wright said.

Wright graduated from the Brevard Community College Law Enforcement Academy in 2007. He earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration from Columbia Southern University in 2021 and a master’s degree in public safety from the University of Virginia in 2025. He is also a 2024 graduate of the FBI National Academy.