Transparency • Accountability • Tough on Crime!
By Michelle Ruschman
When someone deliberately puts themselves at risk for the sake of others, that career goes beyond a job—it’s a calling. Sheriff Eric Aden not only answered that call to law enforcement 29 years ago, but his experience reflects his dedication to reducing crime in Okaloosa County. In 2019, Sheriff Aden attended the prestigious FBI National Academy and ran unopposed in the 2020 election where he has served honorably since January 1, 2021.
Through this calling, he has stepped into a role that makes him responsible for the safety and well-being of nearly 220,000 residents in addition to 7.8 million annual visitors (2023), and he does so while overseeing nearly 500 employees. His experience in private-sector finance also allows him to manage a budget of over $60,000,000 while being fiscally conservative to safeguard tax dollars, manage resources and acquire new technology. On August 20, 2024, Sheriff Aden is asking for our vote to make him Sheriff again.
Eric Aden was born on Eglin Air Force Base in 1971. Mainly residing in Shalimar, he has been a lifelong resident of Okaloosa County, fostering respect not only for the military community, but also for the citizens who grow up in our area. His father started as a young Air Force pilot and later became an aerospace engineer. His mother spent 25 years as a teacher. Eric grew up playing football, basketball and baseball during his school years, graduated from Choctaw High School and attended Florida State University where he studied Criminology. While at FSU, he interned with the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) in 1993 and upon graduation in 1994, returned home to complete the law enforcement academy in Niceville. His career began in January 1995. Eric is now married with four daughters, one son and one granddaughter.
In the years leading up to serving as Sheriff, Aden has regularly been recognized as a leader in law enforcement. In 2008 he was recruited for a leadership position with the Walton County Sheriff’s Office where he was quickly promoted to Lieutenant over Judicial Services, Civil Process, Warrants, Court Security and Team Leader for the U.S. Marshal Fugitive Task Force. In 2010, he was again hand-selected for leadership in Okaloosa County to oversee Judicial Services/Court Security, Booking and Detention. Since then, he has also led Criminal Investigations, Evidence, Crime Scene and Criminal Analysts as well as Watch Commanders, part-time/Reserve Deputies, Airport Security Units and Posse Liaisons. Sheriff Aden’s experience truly encompasses all facets of law enforcement.
During his recent first term as Sheriff, Aden’s leadership was proven through programs such as Real-Time Crime Center and License Plate Readers. These initiatives, along with intensive, deputy training and other measures, reduced violent crime by an astonishing 26% and overall reported crimes by 8%.
The new Real-Time Crime Center monitors License Plate Readers as well as video surveillance of schools and many local businesses. This has allowed information to be disseminated to patrols and investigations when minutes are critical in the success of open cases. It has led, also, to the arrest of suspects in critical areas such as homicide, robbery, shooting, carjacking and kidnapping.
Sheriff Eric Aden has a proven track record of being committed to full transparency, accountability and a force for good in our community. With our vote, he will continue the work he was created for.
Sheriff Aden’s numerous endorsements include Rick Scott U.S. Senator FL, Matt Gaetz U.S. Congressman FL District 1, Patt Maney FL State Representative District 4, Marcus Chambers Superintendent Okaloosa School District and many, many more. For a full list and additional information, visit VoteAden.com.
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