The City of Fort Walton Beach has a new police chief. Robert Bage will step into the role starting March 11. Bage is a U.S. Navy veteran. He was one of 60 people to apply for the job. City officials spent the last five months reviewing resumes and assessments, conducting interviews, hosting a community meet and greet, and visiting the departments and cities of three finalists for the job. “We took a lot of time and care to select the right person for this position,” said Fort Walton Beach City Manager Michael Beedie. Bage comes to Fort Walton Beach after a 20-year career with the North Miami Police Department, where he served as assistant chief. Bage takes over from Interim Chief Robert Lovering.