Candidate: Mel Eakley

Mel Eakley began his commitment to his country with his United States Air Force enlistment at age 18. He served proudly as a Security Police Officer from 1986-1990. He was assigned to Rhein Mein Air Base, West Germany for two years and completed his enlistment at MacDill Air Force Base in the investigations unit. He attended the Community College of the Air Force and received his Emergency Medical Technician Certificate to assist him as a first responder. 
Mel received his police certificate in 1991 at the Tampa Police Academy, Class #122, but was part of a group of 31 members laid off due to budget cuts. He continued his law enforcement career with the Zephyrhills Police Department from 1991 -1993 as a patrolman and then moved on to the Pasco Sheriff’s Office where he remained one month shy of 23 years. Mel has held positions as a Patrol Deputy/Sergeant/Lieutenant, Community Policing/Bike Patrol Deputy, Vice and Narcotics Detective, School Resource Officer, Major Crimes Detective/Sergeant, Special Operations Captain, Detective Division Captain, Major Operational Logistics Bureau, Major Uniform Operations Bureau and Major Criminal Investigative Bureau. Upon retirement on Oct. 3, 2016, he was ceremoniously promoted to the rank of Colonel. 
Mel is a product of the Hernando County school System and graduated from F.W. Springstead High School in 1986. He holds a Bachelors Degree in Criminology from Saint Leo College and a Masters Degree in Adult Education from the University of South Florida “Go Bulls.” He had the privilege of being an Adjunct Professor at Pasco-Hernando State College where he lectured and taught Criminal Justice classes. 
Mel credits his family and faith for his successful journey in law enforcement. Mel’s father, Mel Sr., served 4 years in the Unites States Army with 2 tours during the Korean War. He was the first Mel to serve as a Military Policeman. Mel’s mother, Lorraine, passed in 2009 and Mel Sr. the following year in 2010. They truly were the most loving and supportive parents one could ask for. 
Mel married Lori in 1993 and recently celebrated 26 years of marriage. They have one daughter, Caitlin, son-in-law, Bret and new grandbaby, Harper on the way expected Feb 2019. Caitlin was wed at a magnificent venue in Citrus County at the La Casa of Mason Creek in March of 2018. Lori is a graduate of Saint Leo University, Caitlin is a graduate of the University of South Florida and Bret is a graduate of the University of Florida. 
Mel enjoys spending time on the water with his family and is a local Captain who occasionally charters visitors on the waters off our coast. Mel and Lori currently have their second rescue dog, Logan, a Saluki from Qatar.