Long Time Sheriff Announces His Retirement

Matt Boster

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Posted by: Matt Boster
Date: Oct 03 2015 7:18 PM

Chipley - Longtime Washington County Sheriff Bobby Haddock announced that he will retire when his current term ends in January 2017.

 

Haddock has been the county’s Sheriff since January 2005.  Haddock was re-elected in 2008 and 2012.

 

Sheriff Haddock began his career in law enforcement as an officer with the Chipley Police Department in 1978.  Ten months later, he became a Deputy at the Washington County Sheriff’s Office where he promoted through the ranks.

 

In 1991, Haddock accepted an investigator position with the State Attorney’s Office where he remained for 14 years. Haddock was elected as Sheriff in 2004.

 

Haddock made his retirement plans official during a staff meeting Friday while emphasizing his continued commitment to the mission of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. “I stepped into office, day one, with a very specific plan to make this county safer for our residents.  I’ll be aggressively working that plan until the last day I serve in office.”

 

Haddock will have served 38 years as a law enforcement officer when he retires.  He worked in most every position in law enforcement including patrol, special investigations, criminal investigations, as well as serving in an undercover capacity during his career.

 

During his three terms as Sheriff, Haddock has been active with several community organizations, including the Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranches and the Florida Sheriff’s Association where he served both on the board of directors and as Chaplain.

 

“This has been the most difficult decision I have had to make in my close to four decades in law enforcement” states Sheriff Haddock.  “I went so far as to pick up my candidate paperwork and complete it.  I decided a long time ago both my professional and personal life are not my own.  I have spent many hours in prayer for wisdom and ultimately I chose, like I have with every twist and turn my life has taken, to wholeheartedly put my faith in God’s perfect will.  He has yet to fail me.”

 

Haddock went on to say “This job requires a tremendous amount of sacrifice, the least of which has been my own.  My wife and family have assumed second chair to this community and done so without complaint.  It has been my greatest honor to serve my county, but at the completion of my term, I owe them my time and attention.”

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