Candidate: Mike Williams

Born and raised in Jacksonville, married, and raising a family of three sons here, Mike served in the Air National Guard, and began his successful career at the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office in 1991. As a young patrol officer, he worked ”the beat” in downtown Jacksonville. Mike began early on to develop relationships with citizens and business leaders. He quickly earned a reputation as a police officer who cares about people and likes to help them solve problems. Mike earned his way to the appointed position of Director of Investigations and Homeland Security, where he led the effort to bring the Jacksonville community and North Florida Region as much Homeland Security funding as possible. With more than $10 million in grants awarded locally, JSO deploys some of the most advanced technology available today in its battle against domestic terrorism, the drug trade, and organized crime. As a result, JSO is saving taxpayers millions of dollars. Mike has accomplished a lot during more than 22 years with the JSO. Throughout his ascent to the department’s top tier of executive management, Mike Williams has never forgotten that the agency’s success depends on all officers listening to the community they serve. He is constantly in search of how to best address criminal activity that threatens our quality of life. Mike Williams demonstrated his readiness to lead the JSO when he: - Led a nationally recognized SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) Team identified and implemented programs to better fight sexual predators and offenders - Developed narcotics and gun crime fighting units considered by state and federal agencies to be among the best law enforcement “partners” on complicated cases - Worked closely with government agencies to secure our Seaports and their enterprises - Advanced JSO’s commitment to training for the bomb squad and dive team, resulting in both specialities now nationally recognized for their training expertise. Most recently, Mike Williams served as the appointed Director of Patrol and Enforcement, where his commitment to reducing and preventing crime involved managing a budget of more than $100 million and the 1000-plus sworn patrol officers who protect our great city. Mike retired from JSO in August 2014 - celebrating a decorated and impressive career of service and leadership. “I am humbled and grateful for the support of my candidacy that is growing every day. Now is the right time to make this transition as I share my vision for the future of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. I am working to win the election and return to the agency as its elected leader in 2015.”