I, Scott P. Bonafide, am seeking to be the next Sheriff of Lafayette County. From a young age, I have been passionate about law enforcement, dedicating my life to preparing, learning and working in this vital field.
My wife, Andrea Jackson Bonafide, and I have been happily married for 17 years and are proud residents of Lafayette County. We have three wonderful children: Jayden (14), Aniston (12) and Daxon (8). I hold a bachelor’s degree in criminology from Florida State University and have interned with the State Fire Marshal’s Office. I am also a proud graduate of the law enforcement academy at North Florida College in Madison, Fla..
My wife and I have spent our entire careers serving others. My wife was a home health care nurse serving North Florida and I have assisted in training and providing resources to local law enforcement agencies. We serve Lafayette County in recreational and school sports, school clubs, and are active volunteers within our church programs.
Over 20 years ago, I began my career at the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, where I currently serve as a Sergeant. Throughout my career, I have honed my skills in various areas, such as Patrol Division, K-9 Unit, Drug Task Force, School Resource, Judicial/Civil Bureau and Training. My extensive experience and over 1,500 hours of advanced and specialized training have equipped me with a wealth of knowledge critical for the role of Sheriff. I currently instruct and teach over 225 deputies and over 150 detention officers in law enforcement and corrections, ensuring they stay safe and effective. I currently serve as a member of the policy and accreditation review board at my agency to remain at a high standard of law enforcement. My career has led me to become a current law enforcement instructor at Santa Fe College Institute of Public Safety.
Community trust and public safety are my top priorities. I am committed to keeping up with new trends and technology, utilizing Federal and State resources to enhance our community’s safety without straining our budget. I hold advanced training certificates and believe in embracing innovative ideas to keep Lafayette County safe.
If elected, I will work relentlessly to instill trust, confidence and public safety within our proud community. I respectfully request your vote and support to be the next Sheriff of Lafayette County. Thank you for your support. Together, we can make a difference.