Candidate: Gordon Smith

As many of you are already aware, I am seeking re-election to the Office of Bradford County Sheriff. Therefore, this letter is to inform you that I have opened my re-election campaign so that I can continue to serve as your Sheriff of Bradford County.

First, I would like to say thank you to all the citizens and businesses that have already reached out to encourage and support me.

As your Sheriff, my highest priority is to ensure professional service is delivered to each and every citizen in Bradford County. I believe we must continue to have a Sheriff that has the right experience to lead your Sheriff’s Office into the future, during law enforcements most challenging times. A Sheriff who has demonstrated their commitment to the community they serve, and who has the proven leadership skills to ensure the citizens of Bradford County receive the best public safety has to offer. Bradford County is one of only a handful of communities across the United States who are truly a full service Public Safety Agency which includes; Law enforcement, Corrections, Communications and Fire Services.

It has been my honor and privilege to serve my community, Bradford County. I began serving in 1986 and have served as your Sheriff since 2008. I have set the highest standards through leading by example, being responsive, ensuring ethical behavior and implementing fairness in all aspects of the Agency. I demand the same from each and every one of your employees, no matter their rank or significance. Having nearly 95 full time and 40 part-time employees and a budget of nearly 6.5 million dollars, it is impossible for me to be everywhere and to know everything. It is my responsibility, however, to select, mentor and promote individuals who share my core values and dedication to our profession. As your Sheriff, I shall continue to provide the necessary expertise and continuing stability of a strong and effective Public Service Agency.  

My responsibilities as the Chief Law Enforcement Officer and Fire Chief for Bradford County are stipulated within Florida State Statutes. Beyond the statutory requirements, however, I work tirelessly in my commitment to the needs of our communities by assembling a team of men and women of excellent character who demonstrate sound judgement and unsurpassed skill in maintaining law and order and fire services in Bradford County. They are well-trained, well equipped, skillfully managed and properly deployed of whom I am justifiably proud. It has been my good fortune to oversee a new generation of deputy sheriffs and firefighters renowned for their competence and accountability.

I am seeking re-election for Bradford County Sheriff because I LOVE MY JOB. As we know, the public safety profession is facing difficult, challenging times. Now more than ever there is a need for experienced, professional and ethical leadership. I have devoted more than three decades of my life to public service in Bradford County and know of no better purpose. I recognize there is a continuous need to evolve and continually improve the agency, which is why I shall ensure that the Bradford County Sheriff’s Office is prepared for the future. We must continue to have a Sheriff with the Right Experience, Proven Commitment and the Leadership skills to ensure the citizens of Bradford County receive the best possible public safety. Therefore, I would like your consent to continue this culture of excellence in the Bradford County Sheriff's Office.

“You will always have someone seeking the opportunity to run for the Office of the Sheriff – to me, it’s an Obligation to Serve” and No one will love Bradford County more than Your Sheriff…

Your Sheriff, I am

Gordon Smith

                     EXPERIENCED                 PROVEN                   COMMITTED