Candidate: Jon Folbrecht

Jon is a seasoned executive leader, dedicated public servant, teacher, and U.S. Army Veteran. He has over 20 years of law enforcement and military service. His leadership and management experience in the public and private sectors has shaped his selfless service leadership style. In his career, he has held several executive-level positions including Chief of Police, Facility Administrator, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Operating Officer.

Jon is married to his loving wife of 20 years, Kasey, and they have 3 children and 1 grandson.

Early Life

Since a young age, Jon has wanted to be a cop. His cousin, Marvin "Mickey" Mann was a huge influence when he would visit. When he turned 14, Jon joined the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Explorer Post #400 and volunteered at multiple events and county fairs. Jon moved from Ft. Pierce to Okeechobee in August of 1998 with his mom. This move came after a very bad divorce that his parents went through. Living in a broken family was challenging for everyone and he was looking for an escape and decided to start his own path at 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Army.

Military Service

In 1999, Jon enlisted in the United States Army as a Parachute Rigger until his Honorable Discharge in 2002. Jon was awarded the Parachutist Badge, Parachute Rigger Badge, Army Service Ribbon, Outstanding Volunteer Medal, and Army Good Conduct Medal. Throughout his career, Jon has always been solution-driven and loves to solve problems for people. His ability to think outside of the box and excel in chaotic situations has prepared him for a career in servant leadership.

Volunteering and Community Service

Upon his Honorable Discharge from the U.S. Army, Jon returned to Okeechobee to raise his family and call Okeechobee his home. Over the years Jon has volunteered with some amazing organizations. He has coached soccer, baseball, and softball for Okeechobee Park and Recreation, OCRA, and Upward. Being a mentor to Okeechobee's youth is something that Jon has excelled at while coaching. All three of Jon's children played sports through these sports programs. Jon also sponsored a baseball team for OCRA. Jon is still a coach for OCRA baseball.

Jon's volunteer desires didn't stop with coaching youth sports, he joined the Okeechobee Masonic Lodge #237 FA&M in 2010. Jon has volunteered to help the Masonic Lodge with many fundraisers and child ID kits. The goals of the Masonic Lodge made it a perfect choice for Jon when looking for an organization he could be of service to and help the community of Okeechobee.

In 2021, Jon was appointed by the Okeechobee City Council to serve on the volunteer boards as an alternate member of the Planning Board, Board of Adjustment, and Design Board. While serving the city in this capacity Jon has participated in budget preparations, crafting new ordinances, and planning of new city projects.

Helping Victims of Domestic Violence

Working in law enforcement, Jon has seen the cost of domestic violence and the toll it takes on the victims firsthand. Jon was welcomed by the opportunity to serve Martha's House as the President of the Board of Directors. While Jon was the President, he worked with then-newly appointed Executive Director Jonathan Bean to update the organization and successfully passed a state-required audit. Helping the victims of domestic violence with Martha's House was an eye-opening experience and ultimately helped Jon be a better law enforcement officer helping victims in the field.

Life Today

Jon is currently a Sergeant with the Jupiter Inlet Colony Police Department where he oversees Road Patrol and training. Jon is an Adjunct Instructor at the Indian River State College Criminal Justice Institute. He has several instructor certifications and continues to teach courses regularly.

He is a graduate of the Criminal Justice Leadership Academy, Indian River State College consisting of 288 hours of leadership coursework. He is an active member of the Okeechobee Masonic Lodge #237 F&AM, an Alternate Member of the Okeechobee City Planning Board, the Board of Adjustment & Design Board, Past President of Martha’s House Domestic Violence Shelter, and Past Secretary for the Okeechobee Republican Executive Committee.

Servant Leadership

Following his desire to serve as a volunteer in the Okeechobee community, Jon is now seeking to serve Okeechobee as your Sheriff. Bringing his servant leadership style to the sheriff's office will propel the agency to new heights. He is committed to making sure the residents of Okeechobee are part of the solution by creating a Citizen Advisory Committee. He will do everything he can to improve the quality of life for deputies, staff, and inmates at the sheriff's office, both mentally and physically. Jon will work with county leaders to see sheriff's office wages are increased with minimal impact on taxpayers. Most of all, Jon has been committed to the youth of Okeechobee and will continue that commitment with youth programs and advocacy groups.