Candidate: CRAIG ESTEP

I grew up in the Midwest in a large family setting.  I married my high school sweetheart 43 years ago and we adopted 10 children through international adoption.  We have 27 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.

I spent 3 years in the U.S. Marine Corps and another 17 years in the Army National Guard where I flew helicopters.  I worked 20 years in law enforcement, managed a state emergency operations center, performed emergency planning in the nuclear power industry, and was the Director of Disaster Services for the American Red Cross out of San Antonio.  I finished my working career flying Emergency Medical Services (EMS) helicopters transporting sick and injured people.

I was a volunteer fire fighter, have volunteered with Helping Hands, Prisoner Visitation and Support, as a neighborhood representative for the VHA, and was a signatory for a neighborhood social group.  I have volunteered with the Civil Air Patrol, with Operation Christmas Child, Feed My Starving Children, and at a library.  I have chaperoned a youth group that helped people rebuild homes after a flood, served meals to people after floods, coached flag football, mentored youth groups, and facilitated bible studies.

I served as board chair for a 501c3 organization for the  benefit of youth.  I developed a curriculum for the Emergency Management Institute on the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) and responded to New York during 9/11 to implement their EMAC program.  I also developed and implemented a training curriculum for 410 staff members in a correctional facility.  I am currently a Community Development District 1 Supervisor.

Sumter County has a very diverse and talented population.  This cross section includes agriculture, small businesses, large corporate businesses, and a plethora of independent thinkers and implementers.  I believe everyone deserves to be heard.  This ensures decisions can be made for the greater good and in the best interest of the whole county.  Open, honest, transparent communication is the key to beneficial outcomes.  I will work tirelessly and in a collaborative effort toward the success of Sumter County and each of its residents.