STORYTELLER * Detective * Author * Police Historian * Trainer
“For nearly four decades, I’ve helped communities, officers, and audiences understand real policing, real history, and real justice—through investigation, storytelling, and training that honors the truth.”
Michael Earl Simmons
About Michael
Who Is Michael Earl Simmons?
I am a second-generation Pensacola Police Officer, a retired Sergeant and homicide detective, author, historian, and the Director of the region’s premier Criminal Justice Training Center. Over my 37+ years in public safety, I’ve served on the front lines of patrol, investigated violent crimes, developed specialized policing units, and trained thousands of officers across Northwest Florida.
My work is rooted in a simple belief:
“Leadership is not measured by rank, but by influence“
I carry that belief into every classroom, every presentation, every book I write, and every story I tell.
WHAT I DO: I operate at the crossroads of law enforcement, history, storytelling, and training. Here’s how:
True Detective
I bring real homicide investigations, historical crimes, and forgotten police stories to life—told with accuracy, integrity, and respect for victims, families, and the badge. Using interactive podcasts, I approach old homicides as if I were the detective on the case, and I bring my readers along with me every step of the way.
Storyteller
For more than 30 years, I have given talks about old police and crime stories to social groups, history conferences, churches, societies, and schools from Pensacola to London on the history of law enforcement in West Florida.
Police Historian
Since 1995, I’ve researched the hidden stories of West Florida’s law officers. I’ve written 14 books documenting fallen officers, legendary cases, early marshals, sheriffs, and the evolution of justice in our region.
Trainer & Speaker
I deliver leadership, cultural, investigative, and safety training to academies, agencies, colleges, corporations, churches, and civic organizations in the United States and overseas.
International Author
My 12 works include police history books, true-crime narratives, investigative pieces, children’s historical fiction, and historical storytelling that preserve the legacy of West Florida law enforcement.
WHY I DO THIS WORK
Mission & Values
My mission is to preserve the truth, honor the badge, prepare the next generation of officers and community leaders, and have a little fun along the way!
Core Values
- Integrity in Storytelling – Truth matters, especially in law enforcement history.
- Honor for the Badge & the Fallen – Every officer deserves to be remembered.
- Mentoring the Next Generation – Strengthening tomorrow’s leaders makes communities safer.
- Service to Community – From patrol to presidency of youth programs, service defines my work.
- Preserving History, Shaping the Future – By protecting the past, we give today’s officers identity, purpose, and pride.
A LIFETIME IN LAW ENFORCEMENT
Career Highlights
• Second-generation Pensacola Police Officer
Following the legacy of my father and relatives, I continued a family tradition of service.
• 30 Years with the Pensacola Police Department
Including leadership roles as a patrol officer, detective, neighborhood officer, airport supervisor, and academy instructor.
• Founder—Pensacola Police Historic Society
Dedicated to preserving the stories and sacrifices of Pensacola’s law officers.
• Author of 12 Published Books
Documenting local history, true crime, historical fiction, and the evolution of policing in West Florida.
• Director—George Stone Criminal Justice Training Center
I oversee one of the largest criminal justice academies in the Southeast.
• Mentor to Thousands
Through decades of community leadership, including the region’s largest boys’ mentoring program.
BOOKS & PROJECTS
Featured Titles
- Pensacola’s Finest
- Pensacola’s Finest in Pictures
- Stories of Pensacola’s Finest
- Some Gave All
- The Crabtree Gang children’s series
- True-crime works including detailed case histories from the Gulf Coast
WHO I SERVE
Law Enforcement & Academies
I train recruits, supervisors, command staff, and specialized units.
Corporate & Community Groups
Programs on leadership, communication, safety, situational awareness, and risk mitigation.
Churches, Schools, Civic Organizations
From security training to historical storytelling, I tailor presentations to any audience.
WHAT OTHERS SAY
“Michael’s presentations are unforgettable. His real-case experience brings authenticity that no classroom lecture can match.”
— Agency Training Coordinator
“His history work has preserved stories that would have been lost forever.”
— Retired Pensacola Officer
“One of the most engaging speakers we’ve ever hosted.”
— Conference Organizer
FOR EVENT PLANNERS & MEDIA
Download ready-to-use materials for conferences, interviews, and training events:
- Short Bio (PDF)
- Full Bio (PDF)
- High-Resolution Headshot
- Speaking Topics
- Media Kit