Col. Chad Chronister announced as Hillsborough County sheriff

Col. Chad Chronister was named the new Hillsborough County sheriff, Gov. Rick Scott announced on Thursday. 

Governor Rick Scott announced his appointment of an interim sheriff who will take over for Sheriff David Gee, who announced plans to retire in May.

Chronister has been with the Sheriff's Office since the early 1990's and is a favorite of Gee's. Gee has been grooming him for the position for more than a year.

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Chronister will serve until the next election in November 2018. The winner of the 2018 election will then serve the remaining two years of Sheriff Gee's term. Chronister has said he intends to run in next year's election.

Sheriff Gee was first elected in 2004.  He faced little to no competition, winning re-elections in 2008, 2012, and 2016. Last May, just six months after winning his most recent election, Gee announced he would retire in September to devote his full attention and support to his family.

 

Watch the announcement below: