New Apopka police officer worked with SWAT, K-9 units

Officer Dibiase brings 7 years of law enforcement experience to APD

If the Apopka Police Department were a professional football team, they would be bragging about their newest free agent signing - a talented and experienced law enforcement officer with a connection to the APD.

Officer Corry Dibiase became the newest member of the Apopka Police Department at a swearing-in ceremony performed by Mayor Joe Kilsheimer on Friday.

"I'm proud to be part of the APD," Dibiase said. "I know a lot of these guys from working with them in K-9 programs."

Dibiase brings with him seven years of experience from the Davie Police Department (three years), and Maitland Police Department (four years). He was also a member of the Metro SWAT team and the Maitland PD K-9 unit.

Dibiase is the second officer hired by the APD under the $625,000 federal Community Oriented Police Services (COPS) Hiring Program grant. The APD is budgeted for a total of five officers through the grant. McKinley was particularly pleased to begin utilizing it.

"We're excited to hire our second officer from the COPS grant," he said. "I think Corry will do a great job serving this community. His years of experience with the K-9 and Metro SWAT units will be a great asset."

Lieutenant Steve Brick is in charge of new recruits for the APD. He is particularly impressed with Dibiase.

"Maitland (Police Department) would take him back in a second," said Brick. "We're getting a well-trained, respected and liked officer. He's just a pleasure to be around."