Police Profile: Retired Sgt. Investigator Fundenburg (#376)
On June 27, the Gainesville Police Department (GPD) made a Facebook post to celebrate Sgt. Tracy Fundenburg’s retirement.
According to the post, Fundenburg is “leaving behind a remarkable legacy that has profoundly impacted both [GPD] and the community she so faithfully served. Her unwavering commitment, professionalism and compassion have not only shaped the careers of those around her but have also built lasting trust within the community.”
In July 2018, Fundenburg was disciplined for improperly handling a case where she and another officer caught Jodi Nagel, the wife of Assistant State Attorney Ryan Nagel, shoplifting.
Store clerks accused Jodi Nagel of changing price tags and discussed the issue with her, but she soon left with her husband, leading employees to contact authorities. Officers called the Nagels and advised them to return to the store, and they did before police arrived.
According to a Gainesville Sun article quoting the internal investigation, once Fundenburg and Officer Monica Quimbayo arrived at the store, "Everyone was standing around in a circle and the officers made (an employee) explain the incident in front of everyone. This allowed [Jodi Nagel] to refute what (the employee) was saying.”
Quimbayo and Fundenburg’s investigation found there wasn't probable cause to charge Jodi Nagel, however, internal investigators later learned through surveillance that she had taken clothes. She was charged, granted a withheld adjudication after pleading no contest and sentenced to six months of probation.
Fundenburg was found sustained for not meeting productivity or workmanship requirements and given a written warning.
In January 2022, Fundenburg was transferred from the operations division to the internal affairs office.
In the first half of her career, Fundenburg was found sustained for less-serious offenses like overtime violations, however, she was also found sustained for more serious violations like making an improper arrest and inefficiency in job performance, her internal affairs resume shows.
Aside from improperly investigating a state attorney’s wife, the second half of Fundenburg’s career was less controversial, with no other sustained violations after 2018.
Fundenburg’s personnel file details that she spent most of her career on the horseback patrol unit before it was disbanded in 2017. She has received praise for her work as a sign language interpreter and for responding appropriately to incidents involving mental health.
On June 3, 2025, Fundenburg informed GPD Chief Nelson Moya of her retirement with the following letter:
“After careful consideration, I am writing to formally announce my retirement from the Gainesville Police Department, effective June 27, 2025. This decision has not come easily, but, after 34 years in law enforcement, I believe it is the right time for me to make the transition to civilian life. I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences I've gained during my time here.
I am proud of the work we've accomplished and the difference we've made in our community. As I step into the next chapter of my life, I will carry with me the lessons, friendships, and memories from my career. Thank you for your leadership and support. I am confident the department will continue to thrive under your guidance.
I wish you, the department, and my fellow officers all the best as you continue to serve and protect our community.”
