Nolan McLeod succumbs to cancer

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Former Live Oak Police Chief Nolan McLeod passed away late Wednesday.

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June 21, 2012

Nolan McLeod succumbs to cancer

Jeffry Boatright Suwannee Democrat The Suwannee Democrat Thu Jun 21, 2012, 12:14 PM EDT

Live Oak — Former Live Oak Police Chief Nolan Mcleod passed away late Wednesday at the age of 58, according to a press release from the Auburndale Police Department.

The news of McLeod’s death spread quickly throughout the state, leaving many people saddened by the loss of a great leader, father, husband, brother and friend.

McLeod, who began his stellar career in law enforcement over thirty years ago came to his native Suwannee County to accept the position of Live Oak Police Chief in 1996. Through his proactive leadership and calm style, McLeod was successful in reestablishing the LOPD, which had been abolished in 1990.

During a short period of time, McLeod established a very respected department known for its integrity, commitment and compassion. In addition to establishing a model police department, Chief McLeod and his family became an integral part of the community.

The McLeod family became very active at Westwood Baptist Church, where Suwannee County resident Susan Lamb also attends.

“What a sad day for all of Nolan McLeod's friends and family,” Lamb wrote. “What a wonderful day for Nolan, who is in the presence of his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Lamb emphasized that Mcleod was quite a musician and she stated that he must be singing and playing in a band of angels in Heaven.

“No more bad guys to round up, no more races to run, his race has been run,” Lamb said.

McLeod was diagnosed with stomach cancer in August and never backed down from challenge the disease offered. Throughout his illness, he maintained the positive attitude that was synonymous with his character, while encouraging others and setting an example by remaining active.

After successfully establishing the LOPD and serving the citizens of Live Oak for a decade, McLeod accepted the position of Auburndale Police Chief, where he served for the remainder of his life. With the same fervor and commitment to excellence, McLeod maintained his proactive approach while leading the Auburdale Police Department.

“Chief McLeod’s presence will be greatly missed by the Auburndale Police Department and throughout our City. His calm demeanor and wide variety of experience helped the department become more proactive in the community. The Auburndale Police Department is a more professional, better trained, state accredited and respected law enforcement agency due to his leadership,” Auburndale City Manager Bobby Green stated in the press release.

Perhaps McLeod best summed up his fervor for life in a blog that he maintained during his battle with cancer.

“In reading John 10:10, I realized that Jesus did not promise me a care-free, disease-free, stress-free, or problem-free life. But I am promised an abundant life. Based upon that realization, I made a declaration....as long as I'm alive, I'm going to live,” McLeod wrote in December.

Not only did McLeod remain thankful for the blessings in his life, he remained grateful for the other people in his life and their support.

Last August, after his diagnosis, McLeod told the Suwannee Democrat that Live Oak was his family’s home and they were blessed beyond words at the outpouring of support from their family and friends.

His commitment to God, family, friends, community and work could be seen in everything he did. As a member of the Florida Police Chiefs Association, he served on legislative and awards committees, director of District 16 and as FPCA President in 2006-2007. He was a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Florida Police Chief's Association and the Tampa Bay Area Police Chiefs Association.

McLeod is survived by his wife, Nancy, and their sons, Joe and Chad. The time of the services was not known as of Thursday morning, but Live Oak Police Chief Buddy Williams expected the date and time to be made known later in the day.

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