Perry complex dedicated during Law Enforcement Memorial Service

Sheriff David Shoar will hold a dedication ceremony tomorrow morning; celebrating the renaming of the St Johns County Sheriff’s Office building to the Sheriff Neil J Perry Criminal Justice Complex in honor of his mentor and predecessor in office; who held the seat for 20-years before he retired.

By unanimous vote during the regular meeting of the St Johns County Commission on Tuesday, June 19, 2012, Ordinance 2012-175 made the renaming official, effective immediately. This ceremonial dedication is the culmination of that action.

The dedication is part of the annual Law Enforcement Memorial Service that begins tomorrow, Tuesday, May 14 at 9:00 a.m. in front of the Sheriff’s Office located at 4015 Lewis Speedway in St Augustine.

Local and state elected officials, current and retired Sheriffs, the family of the late Sheriff Perry, and the men and woman of the St Johns County Sheriff’s Office are expected to attend.

Sheriff Perry was born in St Augustine on May 19, 1945 and as a native son, he dedicated his life to his family and our community. He began his law enforcement career as an auxiliary officer with the St. Augustine Police Department in 1968 and in 1974 became a member of the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Perry served as a patrol deputy and detective until 1984 when he was elected Sheriff. He was subsequently re-elected four times, serving five terms as Sheriff, retiring in 2004.