For Immediate Release
July 19, 2021

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Walton County Sheriff’s is proud to announce the graduation of Sergeant John Cheek from the Florida Criminal Justice Executive Institute Florida Leadership Academy.

Sergeant Cheek is among 39 first-line supervisors to attend the course at the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office Training Center. These graduates serve in leadership roles representing 27 criminal justice agencies throughout the state.

Attendees met for four week-long sessions at the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office in Sanford, Florida. They learned skills necessary to support the needs of their agencies and their communities as they prepare for future challenges.

The goal of the Florida Leadership Academy is to prepare first-line supervisors in criminal justice organizations to exemplify the character and integrity expected of criminal justice professionals and to examine the various components necessary to being an efficient leader.

Sergeant John Cheek was sworn in with the Walton County Sheriff’s Office on July 17th, 2002. He graduated with his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of West Florida in 2002. Sergeant Cheek has received numerous letters of commendation and has worked in several aspects of the agency including patrol and criminal investigations.

“We’re thrilled with Sergeant Cheek’s achievement in graduating from Florida Leadership Academy,” said Sheriff Michael Adkinson. “At Walton County Sheriff’s Office, we believe in providing the best training for our leaders and commend Sergeant Cheek for honoring that commitment.”

The Florida Criminal Justice Executive Institute, housed within the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and affiliated with the State University System, was established in 1990 by the Florida Legislature to address the need for an innovative and multi-faceted approach to education and training of criminal justice professionals.