New Atlantic Beach police chief sworn in

Former Chief Michael Classey resigned over illegal steroid charges

Atlantic Beach Police Chief Michael Deal

ATLANTIC BEACH, Fla. – Atlantic Beach's new police chief was sworn in Monday morning, more than two months after the former chief resigned over illegal steroid charges.

After reviewing 49 applications for the position, city commissioners appointed Michael Deal as the new police chief. Deal, a 33-year law enforcement veteran, worked as deputy police chief in Altamonte Springs.

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Deal was sworn in at a ceremony at the commission chambers at 800 Seminole Road in Atlantic Beach.

"I'm very excited about this opportunity to come here and start a new chapter in my life, in my law enforcement profession," Deal said after he found out he was chosen for the position. "You have a great community here, wonderful police department. And this is a very exciting opportunity for me."

Deal succeeds former Chief Michael Classey, who was arrested Sept. 30 after the Florida Department of Law Enforcement launched a criminal investigation. Classey faces a series of charges involving the possession of illegal steroids and tampering with evidence.

Classey pleaded not guilty to those charges and appeared in court for a pretrial hearing last Wednesday. Classey's next hearing is scheduled for Jan. 7.