A Volusia County deputy's cruiser was spotted with a gas pump sticking out of his car, and the deputy's boss simply had to respond.
When you're just in a hurry to get back on the job pic.twitter.com/s1ZriRxlRd
— Volusia Co. Sheriff (@VolusiaSheriff) February 22, 2017
He's not in any trouble. Not going to Hose a guy for being Pumped to get back to work https://t.co/QbpJClkLMA
— Mike Chitwood (@SheriffChitwood) February 22, 2017
That's right, Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood is now on Twitter.
The Daytona Beach police chief-turned-top cop in Volusia County has really only been active for about a month, but he's quickly taken to the social platform, and why not? His well-known turn-of-cop-phrase works in a 140-character tweet.
Those who follow Volusia County news are aware that Chitwood doesn't mince words.
When a death threat against Chitwood was found in the Volusia Mall in 2011, he called the bluff.
"If you wanna come after me, make sure you bring your 'A' game 'cause I shoot back," Chitwood said.
In 2012, he had tough words for a Daytona Beach burglar killed when an elderly homeowner shot him.
"The homeowner did something the criminal justice system couldn't do with this guy," said then-Daytona Beach police Chief Mike Chitwood. "We're familiar with the burglar. He put him out of business."
Now Chitwood is taking the same blunt talk to Twitter.
Great work bringing this guy out of the woods and into handcuffs where he belongs. https://t.co/QGmzGbw1Xg
— Mike Chitwood (@SheriffChitwood) February 13, 2017
He's also talking about things he wants to do as the new sheriff in the county:
These are good kids who just need someone to listen & look out for them. We are working on PAL soccer programs in Pierson and Deltona soon. https://t.co/TCZvwYPMdA
— Mike Chitwood (@SheriffChitwood) February 10, 2017
Volusia County Sheriff's Office spokesman Gary Davidson says Chitwood's move to Twitter is all about getting with the times.
"He’s a modern Sheriff who likes to be plugged in and utilizes modern communications tools to stay in touch with residents," Davidson said.
Davidson also points out that Chitwood has a healthy sense of humor, something that also comes across in tweets where he pokes fun at himself:
Me as a student again -- meaning Doreen had to develop the patience of a saint. Thank you to all our dispatchers for the work they do https://t.co/OrsUm4IYfl
— Mike Chitwood (@SheriffChitwood) February 11, 2017
As for the deputy with the gas pump, Davidson said the deputy forgot about the pump and didn't realize it was attached until the motorist flagged him down.
It was a quick-disconnect hose, so there was no damage.