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Biography of

Chief of Staff Gary Hester


Education:
  • Certified Public Manager, Florida State University, The Center for Public Management, Tallahassee, FL, July 2004
  • Master of Science Degree in Criminal Justice, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL – 2001
  • Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminology, Summa Cum Laude, Saint Leo College, Saint Leo, FL – 1996
  • Federal Bureau of Investigations, Florida Executive Development Seminar - May 2003
  • Southern Police Institute, Administrative Officers Course, 97th Session, University of Louisville, KY – 1997
  • Law Enforcement Academy, Polk Community College, Winter Haven, FL - 1980
  • Corrections Academy, Polk Community College, Winter Haven, FL - 1979
  • Haines City High School, Class of 1978

Experience:

Polk County Sheriff's Office

Bartow, Florida
February 1979 - Present

Professional Affiliations:

  • Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences
  • Fraternal Order of Police, Polk County Lodge #46
  • International Association of Chiefs of Police
  • Polk County Police Chiefs Association
  • Police Executive Research Forum (PERF)
  • Southern Police Institute Alumni Association

Academic:

  • University of South Florida, Adjunct Professor in Criminology - 2004 - present
  • Co-Authored an article in Vol. 31, No. 4 of the Journal of Criminal Justice – 2003, "Sheriff Law Enforcement Officers and the Use of Force”
  • Southern Police Institute, University of Louisville, Guest Lecturer – 1999 - Present

Community Activities:

  • First Baptist Church, Davenport, Fl, Deacon
  • Haines City Rotary, Past President