Candidate: Chip Simmons

Chip W. Simmons was born on a military base in Keflivik, Iceland.  His parents relocated to Pensacola, Florida in 1971 and Chip attended Bellview Elementary and Bellview Middle School before graduating from Pine Forest High School.  He graduated from Pensacola Junior College with a degree in Criminal Justice before attaining is Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Troy State University.  Continuing his education, he obtained his Master's degree in Public Administration from Troy State University and later graduated from the FBI's National Academy.

Chip and his wife Susan have been married for 32 years and have two children, Chipper (Reagan) and Garet (Robyn), and a granddaughter, Greyson.

A lifelong public servant, Chip began his law enforcement career in 1984 with the Escambia County's Sheriff's Office.  He served as a certified Corrections Officer until moving to the Pensacola Police Department in 1986.  While with the Pensacola Police Department, he was assigned to various specialized units including: Tactical unit, Investigations unit, Narcotics unit, and SWAT team.  Chip has served in every supervisory position including Sergeant, Lieutenant, SWAT Commander and Captain, before serving as Assistant Chief for six years and Chief of Police for five years.  His performance in the line of duty resulted in many commendations and awards.  Chip is one of the most decorated officers in the Pensacola Police Department history.  He has earned several Officer of the Month awards and five Meritorious Service Commendations.  Chip has received the Chief's Medal, the Service Medal, the Grand Cordon Medal, and two Unit Citation Medals.  The list of awards for valor include: the Bronze Cross, for actions "above and beyond that which is expected" and the Police Department's highest award for extreme acts of courage and bravery in the line of duty, the Gold Medal of Valor.  He is one of only ten departmental recipients of the Medal of Valor and the only recipient to later be appointed Chief of Police.

Chip has also received the Drug Enforcement Administration's Achievement award and has been inducted into the Police and Firefighter's Heroes Hall of Fame for actions above and beyond the call of duty.

Immediately upon his selection as Chief of Police he set out to attain statewide accreditation for the first time in department history.  He brought about the regions first law enforcement Body Camera Program in an effort to bring more transparency to local law enforcement.  He began many community-based programs designed to better the relationships with the community to include: Christmas gift programs, sports programs, camps, and neighborhood watch programs.  Under his direction, the crime rate in the City of Pensacola dropped to historical lows, while relationships grew.  He is the first recipient of the Mayors Leadership Award.

Throughout his career, Chip has been actively involved in his community, including board positions with the Community Drug and Alcohol Commission, Favor House of Northwest Florida, Military Affairs Committee, Ronald McDonald House, Lakeview Center, Manna Food Pantry, Achieve Escambia, and Pensacola State College Board of Trustees. Chip is also a member of the Leadership Pensacola Class of 2004.

Chip is a member of the Pine Forest High School Alumni Hall of Fame and has received the Sports Lifetime Achievement award from the Emerald Coast Youth Sports Association as well as the association's Volunteer of the Year award.  Additionally, he has received the Outstanding Citizen award from Movement for Change, Pensacola State College Distinguished Alumni Hometown Hero Award and several other community service awards throughout his lifetime.

Upon retirement from the Pensacola Police Department, Chip joined Escambia County as Assistant County Administrator.  The position placed him over Public Safety, Corrections, Inspections, and Facilities.  He was also the board appointed Chief Corrections Officer of Escambia County.

With Law Enforcement in Chip's blood, he joined the Escambia County Sheriff's Office in December 2016, as Chief Deputy.  In his role as Chief Deputy, Chip is familiar with the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Escambia County.

Chip Simmons will make use of his specialized and unique experience to make the Escambia County Sheriff's Office the best it can be.  Chip is positioned to make huge strides in enforcement and community involvement.  Chip has the experience in leading a law enforcement agency with proven results.  Chip is proud to have served the citizens of the City of Pensacola and Escambia County for 34 years and looks forward to continuing this service as the Sheriff of Escambia County.