By Ramsey Sullivan Riverbend News
Madison resident James (Jim) Flournoy's career in law enforcement has been nothing short of amazing. Now, he has been awarded for all of his accomplishments as a leader at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
As a Resident Agent in Charge (RAC), Flournoy is responsible for eight Special Agents, an Analyst and a Staff Assistant, while covering six counties within the Third Judicial Circuit. He determines what criminal cases FDLE investigates, which can be anything from homicides, officer involved shootings, robberies, major drug trafficking organizations, crimes against children, public integrity, cyber-crimes, fugitives and fraud, as well as, conducting protective operations for the governor and other dignitaries. He and his squad handle search warrants and arrests for their criminal cases.
Flournoy has led the Live Oak Field Office (LOFO) to be one of the most productive squads in the State of Florida. The Live Oak Field Office is a part of the Tallahassee Regional Operations Center (TROC), within the Investigations and Forensic Services (IFS) Program. His knowledge, leadership abilities, tactical proficiency and ability to address interpersonal issues are only a few of the reasons behind the success of LOFO. These are the same qualities which landed him the 2019 FDLE Excellence in Leadership Award. The award, sponsored by Attorney General Ashley Moody of the State of Florida, was presented by FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen and FDLE Assistant Commissioner Michelle Pyle on Monday, Dec. 14. Additionally, Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet presented a Resolution to him at the Florida Capitol on Tuesday, Dec. 15, where Flournoy gave special remarks.
In addition to his main duties as RAC, Flournoy has served as a member of the North Special Operations Team (SOT) for over 18 years and is still currently a member of North SOT. In addition to being one of the North SOT lead operators on entries, Flournoy has served as a sniper for over 12 years and has traveled out of country while protecting Florida's Governor. Flournoy has been a high liability instructor for approximately 14 years and during that time has taught newly hired Special Agents in FDLE Agent's Academy in areas such as surveillance, firearms, tactical entries, officer survival and administrative duties within the FDLE case tracking system.
"I was shocked and humbled to receive this award," said Flournoy. "I have a lot of great, hardworking agents and staff that make my job much easier. They were the ones who nominated me for this award."
This award hasn't come without hard work for Flournoy, work that began in 1991. While he was a student at Florida State University (FSU), Flournoy was given the opportunity to intern with FDLE. As soon as he accepted his internship, Flournoy knew this was the field for him, and he's never looked back. "I fell in love with the job special agents do," said Flournoy. "I knew this would be a job that I could wake up and enjoy going to every day."
To accomplish his dreams, Flournoy knew he would have to put in a lot of work in his senior year at FSU; and that's exactly what he did. During his senior year, Monday through Friday he attended class at FSU during the day, then attended the police academy at night, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., as well as 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays in attempt to get ahead of other criminology students. In February of 1992, Flournoy graduated from NFCC Police Academy and three months later in May, graduated from FSU with a B.S. in Criminology.
For the last 25 years, Flournoy has been fulfilling his dream of making a difference in his community and state, investigating cases, arresting criminals and helping victims. Flournoy worked as a Special Agent for 15 years and was promoted to his current position in 2010.
Flournoy is married to Lisa Flournoy, and the couple have two children, Jim and John Flournoy, both of whom are currently studying at FSU. "I'm very grateful my family has been extremely supportive of my career," said Flournoy.