Chris Strickland announced his candidacy for the office of St. Johns County Sheriff earlier in the year after he learned Sheriff David Shoar would not be running for re-election.
Strickland has been a law enforcement officer all his professional life. His career started at age 19 at the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office where he worked for over 25 years serving residents and their families. He retired in 2016 as the Director of the Office of Sheriff.
“All my career, I have had a goal of leading the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office in the capacity of Sheriff and have worked to earn the qualifications necessary for this position,” Strickland said. “With the approaching retirement of current Sheriff, David Shoar, I have filed to run for the office of Sheriff in St. Johns County.
During my career, I have put the folks in this county first when it comes to the safety of our families and property. Nothing about that is going to change. I have raised my family here and this has been my home for over 40 years. I have watched this county grow tremendously and have had the experience of watching three sheriffs lead the growth of the sheriff’s office as it grew with the county’s population.”
Strickland was hired as a deputy sheriff for St. Johns County by Sheriff Neil Perry. He had served as a member of the Sheriff’s Explorer program since age 14. Strickland graduated from St. Augustine High School and went on to graduate from Flagler College with a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration. He continued his education at Columbus State University in Columbus, Georgia completing a master’s degree in Public Administration, with a major in Justice Administration. He also attended and completed the Georgia Law Enforcement Command College, located in Columbus, Georgia. He was promoted to ranks of sergeant, lieutenant, commander and finally director of the office of sheriff.
“There are many challenges facing law enforcement and our country today,” Strickland said. “It is extremely important that our sheriff is in tune with all aspects of law enforcement, as it relates to what has happened in the past, what’s happening at present and what we face in the future. As a resident of this county, you have a right to ensure you, your family and property are all protected. Being part of a community that works and lives cohesively with their law enforcement is the best way to ensure a culture of mutual respect and compassion toward one another.
“We can make this county an example to follow for all the counties in this state and country for that matter. But we must do it together and if you care about building that culture as much as I do, we can do it,” Strickland said.
Changing administrations in a position as critical as sheriff is a big concern for everyone he said.
“That is why experience in this position is critical. The position of Sheriff should be regarded as one which you can look to for answers when things go wrong. It holds a tremendous amount of responsibility and can work for you to restore order and normalcy when life takes unfamiliar turns,” Strickland said. “Please know, I have made a career of protecting our families here in St. Johns County and with your help, I will continue to do just that.”
For information, visit strickland4sheriff.com .
