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Sheriff Susan Benton
The Sheriff as outlined in Article VIII, Section 1 (D) of the State Constitution is responsible for law enforcement and the protection of life and property in Highlands County, the welfare and safekeeping of the law offenders incarcerated in the Highlands County Jail, and for security and order in the Circuit and County Courts.
BIOGRAPHY
Education
- Associates of Arts, Miami Dade Community College
- Bachelor of Arts Administration of Justice, St. Thomas University;
- Master of Public Administration, Troy State University;
- Certified Public Manager, Florida State University;
Numerous advanced and specialized law enforcement training 100+ courses including: National Sheriff’s Institute, 2007; F.B.I’s Law Enforcement Executive Development Training, 2008; Center for Task Force Training, 2004; Florida Counterdrug Training Academy Certificate 2004; Florida Sheriff’s Association Diversified Training, 2003, 2004 2005, 2007; Florida Sheriff’s Association Executive Training, 2004; ICMA University Community Planning 2005; Early Identification and Intervention Strategies, 2005; FEMA National Incident Management System Certificate, 2005; Florida Criminal Justice Executive Institute Chief Executive, 2005; Domestic Security Certificate, 2005; USAF Special Operations Dynamics of International Terrorism, 2006, 2007; FEMA National Response Plan, 2006; Advanced Incident System Certificate, 2006; Jimmy Ryce Law Enforcement Training – Missing and Exploited Children Chief Executive Officer Training, 2007; FBI Law Enforcement Executive development Seminar 2008.
Employment Experience:
- Physical Education Teacher, 1969
- Police Officer, Dade County Schools, 1974;
- Deputy Sheriff, Highlands County Sheriff’s Office, 1979;
- Administrative Aide, Highlands County Board of Commissioners, 1980;
- Department of Children and Families, Foster Care Counselor and Protective Investigator, 1986;
- Highlands County Sheriff’s Office: Deputy Sheriff, 1989;
- Sergeant of School Resource, 1992;
- Lieutenant of Administrative Services, 1995; Lieutenant of Criminal Investigations, 2003;
- Elected Sheriff, Highlands County, 2004
- Re-elected Sheriff of Highlands County 2nd Term, 2008
Academic Experience:
- Instructor, Barry University – Public Administration 2003 & 2004
- Instructor, Office of the Attorney General 1998
- Instructor, Florida Department of Juvenile Justice 1996-1997
- Instructor, Florida Department of Law Enforcement 1997
- Instructor, Office of the Attorney General 1994
Honors, Affiliations & Community Service:
- Member, Florida Criminal Justice Executive Institute Policy Board, 2009
- Member, Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranch Board of Directors, current
- Member, Florida Sheriff’s Association Legislative Committee, current
- Member, Florida Missing Children’s Information Clearing House Advisory Board, current
- Chairman, Florida Sheriff’s Association Task Force, Region 6, current
- Chairman, Florida Sheriff’s Association DARE Review Committee, current
- Chairman, Community Traffic Safety Team, 1994-95;
- Chairman, Juvenile Justice Council, 1994-96;
- Chairman, Juvenile Justice Board District 10, 1996-98;
- Catechist, St. Catherine’s Church, Sebring, 1996-99;
- Chairman, Highlands County SHOCAP Team;
- Member of Children’s Advocacy Center Development Team, 1997-98;
- Avon Park Youth Academy Council, 1998;
- Florida Juvenile Justice Realignment Workgroup, 1998;
- Member FOP Lodge #99;
- Nominated for Champion for Children Award
- Recipient of Florida Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Glass Ceiling Award 2005
- Law Day Award 2005
- Certificate of Appreciation, Police Work Dog Association 2005;
- National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives Recognition; 2007
- Kid Day America/International Children’s Empowerment Award, 2007
- Florida DARE Officer’s Association Presenter Recognition
About Sheriff Susan Benton:
Sheriff Susan Benton, a 5th generation Floridian, was born and raised in Miami-Dade County. Following in the footsteps of her great grandfather who served as Chief of Police in St. Augustine, Florida during the early 1920’s, Sheriff Benton has served, with distinction in law enforcement for more than 30 years. She has served "in the trenches" shoulder-to-shoulder with her fellow deputies and has risen through the ranks by gaining the respect and trust of her colleagues, superiors, agency members, and community. Sheriff Benton has two grown children and three grand children. Sheriff Benton is Catholic and very active in her community and family.
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