Grady Judd sworn in to 5th term, breaking Polk record

Judd is now the longest serving Sheriff in Polk history.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd was sworn in to his fifth term Tuesday morning, making him the longest serving Sheriff in the county’s 160-year history.

Judd was sworn in at Lakes Church in Lakeland by Honorable Chief Justice Charles Canady. Judd ran unopposed in the 2020 election, and will serve a four-year term.

“History was made by the citizens of Polk County when you elected me sheriff for a fifth term,” Judd said at the ceremony. “I’m grateful beyond words for the opportunity to be your servant and to be your Sheriff. To have the honor to continue to live my dream daily is beyond description.”

The Polk County Sheriff made headlines after being appointed by President Donald Trump to the Coordinating Council on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. The organization is a part of the executive branch and coordinates with federal programs related to juvenile justice. Judd will serve on the council for three years.

In his speech, Judd remembered his parents, who he called his “two greatest cheerleaders,” and credited them as the foundation for his success.

“I was fortunate to have two wonderful Christian parents, who taught me right from wrong, and how important it is to respect all of God’s children,” Judd said at the ceremony. “I began my first term of Sheriff with my two parents by my side, and ended my fourth term with them watching today from their heavenly home.”

Judd started his career at the Sheriff’s office in 1972, where he worked as a dispatcher. Two years later, he transferred to the patrol division. He held every rank from sergeant to colonel before he was elected Sheriff in 2004.

“You ask why Polk County’s safe? It’s because we’re all one,” he said. “You should be comforted to know in this county, the police chiefs think of the community first, and I think of the community first.”

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6 comments

WILLIAMHOWARD
January 5, 2021 at 12:43 pm

HE IS A FINE MAN
Palmer Tom
January 6, 2021 at 7:27 am

It is great to have stability and unity and effectiveness in local law enforcement. It is a great contrast to the situation decades ago in Polk County.
Carol king
January 6, 2021 at 2:05 pm

First congratulations to Sheriff Judd! Polk county is fortunate to have a sheriff that cares about law abiding citizens and upholding the law. 2020 has been a crazy year. But there is hope for our country with sheriff’s like Judd standing up for us!
David Laudermilch
January 8, 2021 at 11:05 am

I feel incredibly fortunate to have this man as our sheriff. He is unquestionably competent, compassionate, and fair. As an octogenarian, I also feel safer knowing that Sheriff Judd and his Deputies are protecting all citizens equally, without any bias. We didn’t always have that in Polk County.
Vicky Sandin
January 8, 2021 at 12:46 pm

Congratulations Sheriff Grady Judd for being reelected to Polk County Sheriff again
A man of principle and respected by all. God Bless
EARL D.COMPTON TAP. FLA
January 8, 2021 at 7:18 pm

GOODJOB JUDD MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU SEAF