Message from our President

FSA President Sheriff Ben Johnson, Volusia County

Since its inception in 1893, the Florida Sheriffs Association has enjoyed an extremely proud history of action and accomplishment -- a history of working together to keep Florida safe. And through our unity of purpose, much has been achieved to promote public safety. Still, more work remains if we are to stay in the forefront in addressing the ever-changing needs of our citizens and visitors.

There’s no doubt that these are difficult and challenging times for local law enforcement throughout the state. Collectively, we’re dealing with an unprecedented epidemic of prescription drugs, a proliferation of Internet cafes and pressure to expand legalized gambling, a push for early prison release and more and more mandates from Tallahassee -- and all at a time when budgets and resources are stretched to the limit. It’s a time when we all must roll up our sleeves and work smart and work in unison. In short, it’s a time when the Florida Sheriffs Association is more necessary and vital than ever before. Fortunately, there’s a great collective strength in the Florida Sheriffs Association. Whether it’s lobbying for statewide public safety legislation in the Capitol, establishing multi-agency Task Forces to tackle crime, sponsoring joint training opportunities or sharing ideas, resources and best practices, the Sheriff’s Association continues to lead the way to a safer Florida. One thing’s for certain: No single agency has a monopoly on the best ideas, programs, policies and solutions.  But by working together, we can continue to bring the most effective crime-fighting strategies to every region of the state. This is our challenge as an Association, and I’m confident that Florida’s 67 Sheriffs are equal to the task.

The Florida Sheriffs Association also will continue to flex its collective muscle by lobbying the Governor, Legislature and Cabinet for good, sensible public safety laws. And just as importantly, we won’t hesitate to make our voices heard and rise in opposition to state legislation that could weaken the state’s safeguards. Some of our legislative priorities include:

➢ Improving the recently-passed pill mill legislation.
➢ Shutting down Internet cafes and opposing the expansion of legal gambling in all its forms.
➢ Cracking down on on-line sexual predators.
➢ Increasing sanctions for a felon in possession of a firearm.
➢ Opposing efforts to reduce sentences for convicted felons.
➢ Capping inmate medical costs.
➢ Strengthening reporting requirements for secondary metals dealers in order to combat metal thefts.
➢ Supporting efforts to prohibit texting while driving.

In working for the safety and protection of our state, the Florida Sheriffs Association has a very ambitious agenda for this year and beyond. While embarking on our mission, we must be mindful that nothing can be accomplished without the public’s support and trust. As law enforcement leaders and elected officials, it’s our sacred duty each and every day to earn and maintain the public’s trust. Florida’s Sheriffs bring a wide variety of backgrounds, experience, education and training to the Office. But no quality, no characteristic, no personal attribute is more important than our integrity. There is no short-cut to integrity, and integrity isn’t negotiable. As Sheriffs, integrity must be at the core of everything we do. It’s the yardstick by which the public measures us, and it’s the way in which we earn the public’s respect and confidence.

The Florida Sheriffs Association is proud to serve on the front lines in the fight against crime. I’m deeply honored to serve as President of this distinguished Association, and I look forward to a great year full of hard work and much success!

Sheriff Ben Johnson
Volusia County