Candidate: Ed Pope

Candidate\'s Statement: Hello. My name is Ed Pope. I have been dedicated and very fortunate to not only serve in the United States Navy but also to serve the citizens of Charlotte County as a Florida State Trooper. I swore an oath to uphold the laws of our state and keep our community safe. Now, I am asking you to let me take that oath again as your next Sheriff of Charlotte County. In these tough economic times, I’m sure you’ll agree that the Sheriff’s Office needs to do more with less. I propose eliminating wasteful spending on equipment such as excess aircraft that some of the larger counties in Florida don’t even own. Your Sheriff needs to focus on preventing crime and not doing favors for friends. My mission is to make certain that everyone is equal in the eyes of the law. Most importantly, the Sheriff’s Office needs to take a more proactive and preventative approach in deterring crime. I will entrust deputies with making decisions so they can bring criminals to justice swiftly. There is more to leadership than just a title. As your next Sheriff my message and mission is clear, “Finally You Matter”. I want to bring this agency out of the past and into the future. I promise to bring a new level of professionalism and trust to the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office in order to best serve the citizens of our community. Every citizen deserves to live free from fear. I hope that you will consider me, the best and most conservative choice for Charlotte County Sheriff. It’s time to modernize and reform our local Sheriff’s Office. Visit me at http://www.edpopeforsheriff.com or email me at edpopeforsheriff@gmail.com Sincerely, Ed Pope Ed Pope BIO: Nearly twenty years after leaving the United States Navy, Ed Pope came to Port Charlotte in pursuit of his dream to one day become a law enforcement officer. Those dreams began to fade after being struck by a fleeing vehicle while pulling two children from its path, right here in Punta Gorda.The injuries to Ed were severe and doctors informed him that he would never be able to work in the law enforcement field again. Undeterred, Ed embarked on a rigorous physical therapy schedule while teaching Special Education at Liberty Elementary School located in Port Charlotte. In 2003, Ed joined the Florida Highway Patrol, graduated from the FHP Academy and was awarded the Presidential and Top Physical Fitness Award. Ed was stationed in Troop F, which covers Venice and Charlotte County. During his career he has obtained a number of certifications and has been involved in various administrative responsibilities which include his involvement as Statewide Law Enforcement Training Instructor, Member of the Florida High Patrol’s Counter Terrorist Team, Member of the FHP Strategic Planning Committee, Statewide Firearms Instructor, and a member of the FHP Southern Regional SWAT Team to name a few. In the 8 years spent patrolling our community, Ed left the FHP as one of the most decorated Troopers in the history of the agency to run for Charlotte County Sheriff. He has spent his entire residency working in Charlotte County. Law Enforcement Highlights & Awards: -Southern Regional International Trooper of the Year (One of two Troopers in Florida’s history to receive this award) -Three-time Charlotte County VFW Trooper of the Year -Florida Highway Patrol statewide Trooper of the Year -Statewide Trooper of the Month 5 times and unprecedented 3 times in one year. -Two-time Troop F Trooper of the Year -Attorney General Award for Outstanding Service -Tampa Bay Rays Officer of the Year -Florida Department of Health Caring Hands Award -Apprehended the murderer of Denise Amber Lee -Florida Highway Patrol Outstanding Service Award -Awarded an American Flag which had been flown in front of the capital in Washington DC on behalf of his International Award presented by Wilson Livingood Sergeant at Arms, U.S. House of Representatives. -Awarded Certificate of Dedication to Charlotte County. -Represented Charlotte County and the Florida Highway Patrol at the 2009 Presidential Inauguration. -Awarded for Saving lives and Changing lives of Teens in Charlotte County by Hands Across the World Inc. -Florida Retail Federation Award -State Officer of the Year Award -Ed Pope is in the Florida Highway Patrol new documentary film which is scheduled to air in Florida this year. -Community Involvement:PC Little League,Pop Warner Football,YMCA Soccer, Special Olympics,Homeless Coalition,CARE, Big Brother’s Big Sister’s and the Lydecker Foundation. He has also volunteered his time teaching in Charlotte County Schools on a number of law related topics. He created programs in Charlotte County which care for the needy during the Holidays. Ed is completing his Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice at FGCU and will attend graduate school in the summer. Ed is married with five children two in which were adopted from Lee County.