Chief John Van Etten began his law enforcement career with the Panama City Police Department in 1984. He progressed through the ranks of the department working in Patrol, Investigations, Intelligence, Community Policing, and serving as the Tactical Commander of the department's SWAT Team. In April of 1999, he was promoted to Deputy Chief of Police and in November of 2004, he was appointed to the position of Chief.

He is a graduate of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Senior Leadership Program, as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy #202. He received his Associate of Arts degree at Gulf Coast Community College and is a graduate of Columbia Southern University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice.

He serves his profession and community by participating in various organizations such as Executive Board Member of the Gulf Coast Children's Advocacy Center Inc., Board Member of Anchorage Children's Home, District Committee Member for the Gulf Coast Council of Boy Scouts of America, and Board Member for the Gulf Coast Community College Selection Center. Chief Van Etten is also a member of the Florida Police Chiefs’ Association and International Association of Chiefs of Police.