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Chief Safety, Security, and Fleet Operations

Dave NewlanDavid Newlan
Chief Safety, Security, & Fleet Operations

Phone: (239) 337-8590
2855 Colonial Blvd.
Fort Myers, FL 33966

Biography:

David Newlan serves as the Chief of Safety, Security, Emergency Management, and Fleet Operations with the School District of Lee County. David Newlan retired from the Cape Coral Police Department as Police Chief with almost 30 years of law enforcement experience, having spent his entire career with the Cape Coral Police Department. He has experience in various aspects of public safety. During his career, he has been assigned to the Patrol Bureau, Investigative Services Bureau, where he worked in VICE (including participation in task forces), such as DEA, major crimes, and property crimes, and the Professional Standards Bureau, where he was responsible for Personnel and Training, Internal Affairs, Budget, policy writing, and accreditation. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from Barry University and a Master’s degree with a major in Human Resources Development and Administration from Barry University. He is a graduate of the 252nd session of the FBI National Academy. He is also a graduate of the Administrative Officers Management Program at North Carolina State University, a graduate of the Florida Criminal Justice Executive Institute's Executive Leadership Seminar, and a graduate of the 58th session of the Police Executive Research Forum Senior Management Institute for Police. Chief Newlan is also a Certified Assessor (Team Leader) for the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), and the past President for the Southwest Florida Police Chiefs’ Association, and a member of several community organizations.

Purpose

The Safety & Security and Fleet Operations division is to provide a safe, secure, and reliable environment that supports the educational mission of the district.

  • Safety & Security exists to protect students, staff, and visitors by implementing proactive security measures, maintaining compliance with state and federal standards, and fostering a culture of safety throughout all schools and facilities. This includes emergency preparedness, campus security, crisis response, and partnerships with law enforcement to ensure schools remain safe learning environments.

  • Fleet Operations ensures the safe and efficient transportation of students by maintaining a reliable fleet of school buses and district vehicles. Through rigorous maintenance programs, driver support, and compliance with transportation safety standards, Fleet Operations provides dependable service that supports daily instructional needs and district-wide activities.

Together, these operations safeguard the well-being of students and staff, maintain trust with families and the community, and ensure the district’s resources are used responsibly to support educational success.