Photo: Interim Wilton Manors Police Chief, Sharon Anderson

WILTON MANORS – Sharon L. Anderson has been appointed the Interim police chief for the city of Wilton Manors. Anderson began her law enforcement career in 1977 when she joined the Fort Lauderdale Police Department’s Records Division as a civilian employee. Later she served as a dispatcher, police officer, detective sergeant, captain and a major. She was promoted to assistant chief of Support Operations in 2004.

Anderson replaces former Chief Richard Perez who resigned from the police department in October. A month earlier, Perez was suspended for 30 days without pay over racist e-mails he admitted to have sent from his work account.

Anderson says she was called out of retirement to bridge the gap between Perez and the next permanent chief, which the city plans to have in place by March 1. “I’m just here to get us back on an even keel and get us back to form,” said Anderson, “so that all the disruption and the attention we got previously will calm everybody down.”

Anderson is honored to accept the position of police chief. “I think it’s a wonderfully unique community. I think it’s got a little bit of everything. The diversity has always attracted me.”

Anderson said that she lives in Oakland Park and has often admired Wilton Manors. Anderson does not plan to seek the permanent police chief position.