“It's been four days since a monster storm slammed into the Florida Panhandle, destroying an untold number of homes with 155-mile per hour winds and a tremendous amount of storm surge. Hurricane Michael has continued to wreak havoc in the southeast, and damage will no doubt tally in the billions. 

Sheriffs and their dedicated staff are at the heart of communities across Florida as we protect families and serve residents. This week, the Sheriffs of Florida have come together yet again to take care of Floridians before, during and after Hurricane Michael. No matter the threat, we will continue to work tirelessly to serve the communities we, and our thousands of deputies, have sworn to serve and protect.

Sheriffs sent teams to impacted counties to render aid and ensure public safety. Storms bring an opportunity for looting, and vastly increase dangers, both from nature and man. Our deputies are doing whatever necessary to help our communities recover, and stay safe. We are serving in many capacities, leading search and rescue operations, delivering food and water, clearing roads, responding to calls, safeguarding shelters, keeping peace, maintaining a presence at dangerous areas to keep residents safe, working checkpoints, and meeting needs of residents to bring as much comfort as possible.

Your Sheriffs and deputies prepare and train throughout the year for emergency situations–they have servant’s hearts and consider it an honor to serve. Their families support them, and understand the importance of the work they are called to do. We are here for you, and we are committed to recovery efforts and rebuilding our communities.

With adversity has come kindness and compassion. We have seen the best of humanity…residents stopping to thank us or neighbors looking out for each other by clearing trees or donating items to those in need. Please continue to watch out for your neighbors and loved ones as we move forward with recovery efforts. We encourage all citizens to stay updated through sheriff’s offices official Twitter accounts, as well as the Florida Sheriffs Association social media channels. Together, we are strong both as a community and a state.”

Columbia County Sheriff Mark Hunter, FSA President

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Florida Sheriffs Association:

The Florida Sheriffs Association is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 corporation made up of the Sheriffs of Florida, approximately 3,500 business leaders and 70,000 citizens throughout the state. Founded in 1893, FSA has steadfastly served the citizens of Florida by supporting the needs of the state's law enforcement community. Through the Florida Sheriffs Association, Sheriffs are given a forum to address lawmakers to push for positive changes in Florida’s public safety arena. FSA also provides Sheriffs' Offices much-needed programs such as affordable training, special task forces and legislative and legal services. Dedicated to the prevention of juvenile delinquency and the development of lawful, productive citizens, FSA has established and funded the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches with facilities throughout the state to help restore hope, fulfill dreams, and prepare boys and girls for the future. It has grown to be one of the largest and most successful state law enforcement associations in the nation.