Photos for Headline Surfer / TOP: Winter Springs cop John Haisten is featured in social media as WSPD's Officer of the Month on Oct. 1, 2026, in Winter Springs, Florida. LEFT: On Sept. 10, 2025, the Winter Springs Police Department welcomed its newest officer, John Haisten. Officer Haisten graduated with honors from the Basic Law Enforcement Academy at Seminole State College.
By HENRY FREDERICK / Headline Surfer
WINTER SPRINGS, Fla. -- Here's a shining example of good cop short and sweet: Meet John Haisten who has been named the Winter Springs Police Officer of the Month for October.
A post recognizing was posted on Facebook earlier today, having been "nominated for his initiative and commitment to proactive policing."
His superiors point to his ability to handle calls for service, investigations, and arrests effectively, while leading the operations bureau in area patrols and traffic enforcement. His supervisors say Officer Haisten's proactive approach to policing is also evident with other members of his shift.
"Officer Haisten is also a dependable member of the shift who requires very little supervisory oversight and regularly makes himself available to assist other officers," the top brass at the Winter Springs Police Department said of the veteran cop. "He frequently helps newer officers with reports, evidence, arrest paperwork and investigative decisions while continuing to manage his own workload."
Winter Springs Police Officer John Haisten's superiors point to his ability to handle calls for service, investigations, and arrests effectively, while leading the operations bureau in area patrols and traffic enforcement. His supervisors say Officer Haisten's proactive approach to policing is also evident with other members of his shift.
"Officer Haisten is also a dependable member of the shift who requires very little supervisory oversight and regularly makes himself available to assist other officers," the top brass at the Winter Springs Police Department said of the veteran cop. "He frequently helps newer officers with reports, evidence, arrest paperwork and investigative decisions while continuing to manage his own workload."
The recognition concluded with: "Congratulations, Officer Haisten on this well-earned recognition, and thank you for your strong commitment to the department and the community."
FAST FACTS: Winter Springs Police:
The exact day-to-day active police personnel head count at Winter Springs PD fluctuates due to ongoing lateral moves, retirements -- such as the recent retirement of Deputy Chief Kevin Presley -- and active hiring cycles. However, the current staffing versus budgeted dynamic operates under the following structure:
- Budgeted Cap:
The Winter Springs Police Department maintains a long-term authorized baseline structure of 65 sworn positions. - City-Wide Staffing Adjustments:
For the fiscal year starting Oct. 1, 2026, the overall city staffing level is slightly trending down to 184 full-time employees across all municipal departments. - Active Recruitment & Vacancies:
Rather than implementing a frozen workforce for safety operations, the city is actively trying to close its vacancy gap. To attract new talent and keep pace with Central Florida's competitive law enforcement market, the department posted new job openings for full-time police officers, offering an adjusted salary range of $65,520 to $85,176. - Chief of Police: Matt Tracht.
- WSPD Physical Locale: 300 North Moss Road, Winter Springs, FL 32708.
- Contact info (non-emergencies 24/7): 407-327-1000; for emergencies, please call 9-1-1.
The Winter Springs PD is divided into three bureaus:
- Criminal Investigations
- Operations
- Support Services
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