Monroe County Sheriff-elect Bob Peryam this week announced some department changes, and residents can expect to see new faces leading substations up and down U.S. 1 in the Florida Keys.

"Obviously we had to fill my position in Marathon and that opens up positions elsewhere," Peryam said Friday.

Peryam was the commander of the substation in Marathon before voters elected him sheriff on Nov. 4. Longtime Sheriff Rick Roth announced his intentions to retire early last year after 40 years in law enforcement -- 18 of those years as sheriff.

Chad Scibilia will replace Peryam, taking command of the substation as well as the Special Operations Division, which includes the marine, vice, SWAT, dive and bomb squads.

Lt. Lou Caputo, who hails from the Upper Keys, was promoted to captain and will serve as the Plantation Key commander.

"Chad is from Marathon and graduated from Marathon High School, so he's a good fit there," Peryam said. "Same as Lou; Plantation Key is home for him."

Caputo also will take command of the Ocean Reef Patrol Division.

"I'm excited about going back," Caputo said. "I've lived there for 40 years and started my law enforcement career there."

Newly promoted Lt. Mitch Snider will join Caputo in Plantation Key. Snider formerly served at the Cudjoe Key substation.

Outgoing Marathon commander Don Hiller will assume command of the Airport Security Division at Key West International Airport.

Peryam's wife, Cindy Peryam, formerly worked as commander of the Internal Affairs Division and will assume command of the Accreditation Division, to alleviate any potential conflict of interest in the chain of command.

"We checked into the law already and she doesn't actually have to move, by law," Bob Peryam said, adding he's waiting for a letter from the State Attorney General's Office confirming that fact. "But I just thought it was best."

Peryam said the changes will prepare the department for the challenging days ahead.

"The goal with all the transfers is to get guys in places where they grew up or live to help promote my community policing philosophy," Peryam said. "I think we might have some difficult times in terms of crime, because bad economic times and crime, unfortunately, often go hand in hand."

alinhardt@keysnews.com