Tampa Bay-area police chiefs back former peer Jane Castor

On Wednesday, Tampa mayoral candidate Jane Castor received the endorsement of Tampa Bay Area Chiefs of Police Association.

With more than 100 members, the group is a coalition of police administrators from more than 30 agencies in seven counties throughout the region.

“Jane Castor has, in both her personal and professional life, consistently demonstrated support for our mission as law enforcement leaders,” said Chief Robert Vincent, Nominations Committee chair of the Tampa Bay Area Chiefs of Police Association. “We strive to enhance the reputation of all of us who work in the criminal justice profession, and we know that we can count on her continued strides in that direction.”

Vincent is Chief of Police for the Gulfport Police Department in South Pinellas County.

The association was founded in 1957 to allow law enforcement executives to exchange ideas and coordinate resources and operations efficiently and effectively. The group also participates in community fundraisers for various charities.

Castor served as Chief of the Tampa Police Department during the final six of her 31 years with the agency.

“Just as I did when I was an officer in the force and as Chief of Police myself, I will work every day as Mayor to make our neighborhoods safer, supporting our men and women in blue and improving relationships with the community we protect,” Castor said.

Castor also has endorsements from the local and state Police Benevolent Associations.

She’s running as the only woman in the seven-way race to replace Bob Buckhorn who is term-limited out of office this year.

Other candidates include David Straz, David Straz, Dick Greco Jr., Harry Cohen, Ed Turanchik, Mike Suarez and Topher Morrison.

Castor is considered the front-runner in the race.

Election Day is March 5. A runoff is scheduled for April 23 if no candidate receives more than 50 percent of the vote.