Candidate: Danny H. Griffith

My name is Danny Griffith and, as most of you know, I am running for the office of Walton County Sheriff. I was born and raised in Walton County. I attended Walton Senior High School where I met my wife of 34 years, Gerry Griffith. We have two daughters and three grandchildren. I left Walton County in 1977 to embark upon my law enforcement career with the Florida Highway Patrol. I have over 30 years of law enforcement experience with the last 16 years in Walton County. Although I have had the opportunity to work in several counties throughout the State of Florida, my desire was always to make it back to my roots. During my career, I have had extensive training in various areas of the law. I was an instructor with Okaloosa Walton College for over ten years in the criminal justice program. In addition, I am a Field Training Officer, responsible for providing continuous and extensive training, supervision, management and assistance to new officers entering the force. I was also a Florida Highway Patrol Auxiliary Instructor. I have also received a life saving commendation. My wife and myself co-owned a business in Fort Walton Beach for 22 years. I am currently running for Office of Sheriff because I believe the people of Walton County need a sheriff they can depend on, who can efficiently and effectively enforce the law, bring professionalism and integrity back to the department, be accountable and available to the people, work in cooperation with other agencies and make Walton County a safer place to work and live. Walton County has an environment conducive to values that are important to raising a family and I would also like to see that environment continue to grow in this fast-paced world in which we live. I believe the Walton County Sheriff\'s Office must strive to continuously improve its services to meet the demands of this rapidly expanding county. I see public safety as a partnership between the community, citizens and the Walton County Sheriff\'s Office. It is only through this vital relationship that crime can be reduced and the needs of the public can be met. I am not going to make a lot of promises in an effort to get your vote. As we all know, most of those promises cannot be kept. But, I will tell you that my goal is to give you a Sheriff you can count on and a department you can trust. In my personal life, I pride myself on treating people honestly and fairly. If elected, I promise to do my best to see that the Walton County Sheriff\'s Office, as a whole, creates an honest and respectful environment for the citizens of this county. I am not seeking this position to boost my ego, but instead to be a Sheriff, who will listen to your needs, respect your ideas, and protect all of the people in this county with professionalism and integrity. I am looking forward to the opportunity to speak with and meet new individuals during this campaign. I would welcome the opportunity to meet with anyone in person or address any questions or comments. I can be reached at griffith4sheriff@gdsys.net or by phone at 850-892-3415. Thank you for your time and consideration of Danny Griffith for Sheriff of Walton County.