Administrative Staff

Police Chief Jack Vaccaro

Police Chief Jack Vaccaro began his law enforcement career with the Lighthouse Point Police Department in 1992. Over the years, he has held various roles, including Patrol Officer, Marine Patrol Officer, Community Policing Officer, Patrol Sergeant, Training Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Patrol/Operations Commander. Chief Vaccaro holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Columbia Southern University.

Chief Vaccaro is a graduate of the 249th Session of the FBI National Academy and the Center for Advanced Criminal Justice Executive Leadership Program at Florida Atlantic University. Additionally, Chief Vaccaro is a proud member of the Broward County Chiefs of Police Association and the Florida Police Chief’s Association.

Patrol Commander Chris Oh

Commander Christopher Oh is a highly respected law enforcement officer with over 31 years of experience in the field. He began his career with the Lighthouse Point Police Department in 1992 and quickly established himself as a dedicated and effective member of the force. After three years of service, Commander Oh joined the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, where he served on patrol, marine patrol, gang unit, entry team, and as a school resource officer. His outstanding work earned him the Officer of the Year award in 1997.

In 2000, Commander Oh returned to the Lighthouse Point Police Department, where he has continued to excel in a variety of roles. He has served on patrol, in the Community Policing Unit, as a Field Training Officer, Marine Patrol, as a Patrol Sergeant, Training Sergeant, Lieutenant, Accreditation Manager, and Commander over the Department’s Administrative Services Division. Commander Oh currently serves as the Patrol/Operations Commander.  In this capacity, he oversees the operations and patrol division. Commander Oh is a highly decorated officer, having been awarded Officer of the Year for the Lighthouse Point Police Department in 2003. He is also the department’s Accreditation Manager and a graduate of the Center for Advanced Criminal Justice Studies, Criminal Justice Executive Leadership Program, at Florida Atlantic University

Administrative Commander Curt Lai

Commander Lai served in the United States Navy as an avionics technician for six years, three on active duty, before embarking on a career in public service that has spanned over 30 years.  Commander Lai previously worked as a 911 operator with the Plantation Police Department, a Corrections Deputy with the Broward Sheriff’s Office and a Patrol Agent with the U.S. Border Patrol. Commander Lai began his career with the Lighthouse Point Police Department in 2000 and has served as a Patrol Officer, Corporal, Field Training Officer, D.E.A. Task Force Detective, Patrol Sergeant, Training and Planning Sergeant, and currently serves as the Commander over the Department’s Administrative Services Division. Commander Lai holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology from the University of Florida, a Master’s degree in Emergency and Crisis Management from the University of Central Florida, and a graduate certificate in Criminal Justice Education from the University of Virginia. In 2010 Commander Lai was awarded the Medal of Honor along with Officer of the Year for both the Lighthouse Point Police Department and the Broward County Chiefs of Police Association. Commander Lai is a graduate of the 295^th session of the FBI National Academy and Class 5 of F.D.L.E.’s Florida Leadership Academy.

Administrative Lieutenant David Dyess

Lt. Dyess has been in law enforcement for 28 years.  Lt. Dyess started his career with the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office in 1995. In 2000 Sgt. Dyess joined the Lighthouse Police Department and served as a Patrol Officer, Detective, Patrol Sergeant, Detective Sergeant, and Administrative Sergeant prior to being appointed to Lieutenant.  Lt. Dyess has been the Officer of the Year recipient twice during his career with the Lighthouse Point Police Department, first as a road patrol Officer in 2007 and then as a Detective in 2011.

Training and Planning Sergeant Jonathan Esposito

Sergeant Esposito began his law enforcement career with the Lighthouse Point Police Department in 2003.  Starting on patrol, Sgt. Esposito has since worked in the Detective Bureau, the DEA Narcotics Task Force, Community Policing, Patrol Corporal, Patrol Sergeant and finally, as the Training and Planning Sergeant where he continues to serve today.  Sergeant Esposito holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice from Florida Atlantic University and has been awarded Officer of the Year along with over 36 official commendations and the Life Saving Award. In the training and planning division, Sergeant Esposito oversees the Field Training Program (FTO), hiring of new Officers and other personnel, annual training in areas such as firearms, defensive tactics, less-lethal munitions, and many others.  In addition to his training duties, Sgt. Esposito also serves as the Quick Response Force (QRF) Sergeant which specializes in civil unrest disturbances and other high-profile incidents throughout the county.  Sergeant Esposito is an active practitioner of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and currently holds his blue belt.

Detective Sergeant Andrew Gianino

Sergeant Andrew Gianino has been a law enforcement officer for the Lighthouse Point Police Department since 2013. Sergeant Gianino has served as a Patrol Officer, Detective, Patrol Sergeant, and currently serves as the sergeant in charge of the Criminal Investigations Division.  Sergeant Gianino has received numerous awards and commendations including Officer of the Year in 2014 and 2017, 2018 Broward County Crime Commission Detective of the Year, 2018 ASIS International Law Enforcement Award, and 2021 Broward County Police Benevolent Officer of the Year Award.

Patrol Sergeant Kevin Hancock

Sergeant Kevin Hancock is an experienced law enforcement officer with a long and distinguished career with the Lighthouse Point Police Department. He began his career as a Patrol Officer in 2003 and has since served in a variety of roles such as, Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Community Police Officer, Detective, Street Crimes, Corporal and Road Patrol Sergeant. In addition to his work with the department, Sergeant Hancock has been involved with several professional organizations, including the Multi-Agency Honor Guard, Financial Institution Security Association, South Florida Fraud Task Force, and the Florida Safe Families Network. His dedication and commitment to the job have earned him numerous department commendations, including the prestigious Administrative Excellence Award and special recognition by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Sergeant Hancock's service to the community and commitment to excellence make him a valued member of the Lighthouse Point Police Department.

Patrol Sergeant Earl Shook

Sergeant Shook joined the Lighthouse Point Police Department in October of 2019 where he served as a Patrol Officer. In July of 2022, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant where he is currently assigned to the Patrol Division.  

Sergeant Shook began his law enforcement career in 1994 serving the residents of the City of Hallandale Beach.  After completing a full career, he joined the Lighthouse Point Police Department.  Sergeant Shook graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. He is also a graduate of Florida Leadership Academy, Southern Police Institute Command Officers Development Course, and Police Executive Research Forum.

Patrol Sergeant Jason Caruso

Sergeant Caruso began his career with the Lighthouse Point Police Department in 2006. Upon completion of the Broward County Police Academy, he received the Outstanding Achievement in Academic Excellence Award for his class. Since then, he has served the department as a Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Community Policing Officer, Corporal, Detective and currently as Patrol Sergeant.  Sergeant Caruso holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from Florida Atlantic University and has been awarded Lighthouse Point Police Officer of the Year in 2008 and again in 2016 as well as the department’s Life Saving Award and Administrative Excellence Award. Sergeant Caruso is also the recipient of the Broward County Chiefs of Police Association Officer of the Year award, Broward County Crime Commission Detective of the Year award and ASIS International Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award.

Patrol Sergeant Chris Mercogliano

Sergeant Christopher Mercogliano has served as a law enforcement officer since 2009. After receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in Justice Studies with a concentration in the Criminal Justice System from Montclair State University, he began his career at the Delray Beach Police Department. There he served in the positions of Road Patrol, the Problem Oriented Policing Unit, the Downtown/Clean and Safe Unit and was appointed acting Sergeant. In 2014 Sergeant Mercogliano joined the Lighthouse Point Police Department where he has served in the capacity of Road Patrol, Marine Patrol, Corporal and now Road Patrol Sergeant. Sergeant Mercogliano has earned the Life Saving Award, the Administrative Excellence Award, the Good Conduct Award and numerous department letters of commendation during his time at the Lighthouse Point Police Department.

Civilian Staff

Administrative Services Manager

Heather Trudel has a long-standing career with the Lighthouse Point Police Department, spanning more than 15 years. Her extensive experience has allowed her to hold several key positions within the department, including Station House Officer and Station House Supervisor, before her promotion to the role of Administrative Services Manager.

As the Administrative Services Manager, Heather oversees a range of sections that are crucial to the successful functioning of the department. Her responsibilities include oversight of the communications division, public records function, fleet management, information technology, and the property and evidence section.

Communications Supervisor

Jessica DeFilippo serves as the Communications Supervisor. She currently oversees a team of 6 full-time Station House Officers in the communications division. With nearly a decade of experience in the field, Jessica is committed to ensuring that her team provides the highest level of service to the community.

 As a communications supervisor, Jessica's role is responsible for ensuring that the communications division operates smoothly and efficiently, with a focus on responding quickly and effectively to emergency situations. The communications division operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, providing around-the-clock service to those in need.