Florida Sheriffs Association Announces 2019 Legislative Champions
Each year, the Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA) recognizes exemplary state legislators for their significant contributions to and support of good public safety policies during legislative session. These legislators have demonstrated a commitment to protecting the best interests of Florida citizens through their diligent legislative efforts and support of FSA initiatives.
This year, the Florida Sheriffs Association named five legislators as their Legislative Champions. These members led the way by implementing the recommendations of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Public Safety Commission. They also worked to pass legislation making texting while driving a primary offense, and crafted criminal justice reform legislation that ensures offenders have a better pathway toward rehabilitation (without losing ground on the best practices that have caused Florida’s crime rate to reach a 47-year low).
“The Florida Sheriffs Association is honored to recognize these elected officials for their continued support and commitment to the public safety,” said FSA President and Columbia County Sheriff Mark Hunter. “We were grateful for the opportunity to work with senators and representatives so dedicated to the citizens this legislative session.”
2019 Legislative Champions
- Senate President Bill Galvano
- Senator Wilton Simpson
- Representative Chris Sprowls
- Representative Paul Renner
- Representative Clay Yarborough
“This session, the Florida Legislature continued to make school safety a priority with passage of SB 7030, which contained the legislative recommendations of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission,” said FSA’s Legislative Chair and Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri. “Many of these legislators helped make this bill a reality, along with numerous other important public safety bills, which will help sheriffs keep our communities safe.”
The FSA also recognizes additional House and Senate members with their Friend of the Sheriff Award for their work during this legislative session for their support of FSA legislative priorities as well as their passionate support of smart public safety policies by speaking out in committee or while in debate on the floor.
2019 Friend of the Sheriff Award
- Senator Aaron Bean
- Senator Manny Diaz
- Senator George Gainer
- Senator Joe Gruters
- Senator Ed Hooper
- Senator David Simmons
- Senator Tom Lee
- Representative Ramon Alexander
- Representative Bobby DuBose
- Representative Cord Byrd
- Representative Dane Eagle
- Representative Heather Fitzenhagen
- Representative James Grant
- Representative Daniel Perez
- Representative Spencer Roach
- Representative Emily Slosberg
- Representative Jennifer Sullivan
- Representative Jackie Toledo
- Representative Josie Tomkow
- Representative Ardian Zika
“Without the aid of these important state legislators, the Florida Sheriffs Association would not be able to serve the citizens of Florida to the best of our ability,” said FSA Executive Director Steve Casey. “On behalf of the entire Florida Sheriffs Association, I would like to honor these men and women for doing their part to help keep Floridians safe.”
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