Strickland appointed Director of the Office of Sheriff

The pool of highly trained and professional law enforcement officers that St Johns County Sheriff David Shoar inherited in 2004 from former Sheriff Neil Perry has dwindled over the past eleven years; many senior officers have retired — most recently, both the undersheriff and director of law enforcement.

However, this week, Historic City News has learned that one senior member of the sheriff’s command staff, 45-year-old Christopher Strickland, has been appointed Director of the Office of Sheriff.

“We have experienced a great deal of attrition in a short period of time at the sheriff’s office,” Strickland told local reporters. “This is a very exciting time for our office and the community. It is also a very important time.”

Strickland has been a deputy sheriff since October 1, 1989. Until this promotion, Strickland was serving as Northeast Commander.

“The team Sheriff Shoar has established, has a collective goal of delivering quality service to the folks living in our county and those who visit,” said Director Strickland earlier this week. “I am truly honored to be a part of that team.”

In his last assignment, Strickland earned $82,337. This promotion is to a new position and salary information has not yet been released. Chris and his wife Tammy live in St Johns County. Strickland says he’s looking forward to the future and what it has in store for the generations to come.