Sheriff Stephen H. "Steve" Whidden (R)
LaBelle
Education
Naples High School; basic and advanced LEO curriculum, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College; AA degree, business administration, University of Phoenix; Kenneth Bragg Public Safety Institute; basic law enforcement academy, SWFL Criminal Justice Academy; numerous DEA and State of Florida advanced LE curriculum training, 500+ hours; graduate, National Sheriffs’ Institute, 99th Session; Executive Level Education Management.
Career
Albany Police Department, two years; Hendry County Sheriff’s Office, six years; Clewiston Police Department, four years; DEA Special Task Force, two years; elected Sheriff of Hendry County, 2008; re-elected 2012, 2016 and 2020.
Honors and Affiliations
Appreciation Award, DEA, 2005; Employee of the Year, City of Clewiston, FL, 2005; board of directors: Good Wheels;: LaBelle Rotary Club; LaBelle Kiwanis Club; Clewiston Lions Club named Girl Scouts of America Supporting Parent; Citizen of the Year, LaBelle Chamber of Commerce, 2012; Board of Directors, District 4, Florida Sheriffs Association, 2014 - 2018.
