Live Oak — Suwannee County Sheriff Tony Cameron is seeking re-election. With a strong record of integrity and service to the community, Cameron’s leadership will ensure continued courage, honor, and compassion in the Sheriff’s office.

When Cameron ran for Sheriff in 2004, he promised to rid the streets of “curb service drug delivery in broad daylight.” Under his administration, the Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office and the Suwannee County Drug Task Force has enforced that promise. In seven and one half years, the Drug Task Force, under Cameron’s administration, has made over 2,000 drug arrests. He stated, “We will continue to do drug round-ups, taking drug dealers out of the neighborhoods and off of our streets. We will continue to crisscross county lines and work with state and local law enforcement agencies to eliminate every avenue of illegal drug distribution.”

Sheriff Cameron was educated in the Suwannee County School System and graduated in 1971. He furthered his education at North Florida Community College, then completed his Bachelor of Arts at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. Cameron has over 1,800 hours of law enforcement training and is a graduate of the FDLE Chief Executive Seminar.

As a decorated US veteran, he served as a sergeant in the US Army. He began his career in law enforcement immediately upon his honorable discharge, serving Suwannee County as a deputy sheriff and sergeant for over 13 years. As a deputy, he was credited with numerous felony arrests and convictions, was honored for outstanding contributions in drug law enforcement by the US Drug Enforcement Administration, and was decorated for heroism by both Suwannee County and Lafayette county sheriff’s offices.

Cameron served as dean of students at Suwannee High School for seven years, and he has been active with the Police Athletic League for 12 years. Sheriff Cameron pledges to continue avidly working with P.A.L., the Florida Sheriffs Boys Ranch, as well as all other youth of our community. He stands firmly that Suwannee County’s future lies in the hands of its children.

Cameron is married to the former Melissa Williams, daughter of Ronald and Carolyn Williams. She is a teacher at Suwannee Middle School. Cameron has three children: Brandy, Bo Garret and Denver. He also has two grandchildren. Cameron’s school-aged children attend Suwannee County public schools, and the family attends church at First Baptist Church in Live Oak.

Through Cameron’s career, he has maintained an open-door policy to the people. He has always been available to the citizens he serves. Whether meeting in his office or on your front porch, he has and will continue to listen to your concerns.

Cameron strongly believes that the sheriff must be accountable to the public, spending tax dollars wisely, while providing public safety and equal service to all citizens. Sheriff Cameron has eliminated useless spending by removing unnecessary vehicles from service, purchasing more economical patrol cars, and zoning the county. These efforts have saved the taxpayers thousands of dollars in fuel, maintenance, and insurance costs. 
“I take fiscal responsibility very seriously. Not only have i worked within our budget, but I have been able to return a portion of our funds to the Board of County Commissioners each year,” explains Cameron.

Sheriff Cameron has a strong work ethic, and he leads the sheriff’s office by example. He believes in everyone rolling up their sleeves and solving problems. 
“From deputies to dispatchers and correctional officers to office personnel, everyone is willing to go above and beyond the call of duty to serve our community. I am honored to lead the fine men and women of our sheriff’s office as they protect and serve you every day,” said Cameron.

As an accessible, accountable leader, Cameron has the skills, the education, the courage, and the dedication for effective, continued service as our sheriff.

“Suwannee County deserves the best. Our community is entitled to effective, honorable law enforcement,” said Cameron. “My priorities remain simple - public safety and service to you. On Nov. 6, please vote for and re-elect your sheriff, Tony Cameron.”