Jason Futch
reporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com
Sheriff-elect Brian Creech of Hamilton County recently attended the Florida Sheriffs Association's (FSA) Sheriff's Academy, which is a required one-week training seminar for incoming sheriffs of Florida. Creech, who will be the first elected sheriff in Hamilton County since 1988, was educated on the history of the Florida sheriff, the duties the position requires, and was equipped with the tools, training and connections to lead with integrity, fairness, commitment and accountability. The class began on Monday, Dec. 9, and lasted until Friday, Dec. 13. "I extend my heartfelt congratulations to these new sheriffs. Together, we will uphold the values of justice, safety and service for all Floridians," FSA President and Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell said during the graduation ceremony. In the Suwannee River Valley region, Sheriff-elect Creech will be joined by Columbia County Sheriff-elect Wallace Kitchings, who defeated longtime Sheriff Mark Hunter during the Aug. 20, 2024, Primary Election. Other sheriff-elects that participated included Rosie Cordero-Stutz, who will be the first Sheriff of Miami-Dade County since 1966, when the county transitioned to a police director position that gave control of the agency to the Mayor of Miami. In 2018, Florida voters passed a referendum that required all 67 counties to have an elected sheriff. Creech will be entering the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office with fresh ideas, backed by a team that is ready to get to work to make Hamilton County safer. Since winning the General Election on Tuesday, Nov. 5, he has been working with outgoing Sheriff Harrell Reid to ensure that a smooth transition occurs and that he will be ready to lead the agency when he is sworn in as the Sheriff of Hamilton County. Creech will be officially sworn in on Tuesday, Jan. 6th. A badge ceremony will take place on Saturday, Jan. 10, at 11 a.m. at the Hamilton County Courthouse.