A Legacy of Leadership: J.M. “Buddy” Phillips, Part 1

Jason Futch reporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com John Marvin "Buddy" Phillips, Jr., gave his life to the citizens of Florida as a public servant, leader, and most notably, one of Florida's prominent law enforcement officers. To his colleagues, he was affectionately nicknamed the "Sheriff of Florida," a nod to his service to several counties in the state as the top law enforcement official. To his friends and family, he was known simply as "Buddy." Phillips was known to give back to the community in many ways. One of the charities close to his heart was the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches (FSYR), an organization that he was able to see come to life while serving as a patrol deputy with t