Cline named Chief of Staff – replaces Undersheriff

Two announcements were received by Historic City News this week, naming appointees to fill positions of two key members of the sheriff’s command staff on the occasion of their retirement; former undersheriff Joel Bolante and Director of Law Enforcement, Art May.

“Former Undersheriff Bolante has left some incredibly large shoes to fill and I was fortunate to work by his side for the last seven years,” said 38-year-old Matthew D. Cline, whose new title will be “Chief of Staff”.  “I am truly humbled by the confidence that Sheriff Shoar has placed in me with this appointment.”

Cline graduated from the Florida Coastal School of Law in Jacksonville.  He was admitted to The Florida Bar on October 22, 2003.  He was hired by Sheriff Shoar as General Counsel on January 15, 2009 and earned $102,664 annually, plus benefits, in that position.  Bolante, who had been with the Sheriff’s Office since June 4, 1984, was earning $123,504 as undersheriff.

“We are all looking at innovative ways in dealing with the challenges that law enforcement agencies are facing today,” Cline told Historic City News.  “We share a common goal of maintaining the quality of life that makes St. Johns County such a great place to live.”

Matthew and his wife, Shelby, live in St Johns County.