Longtime law enforcement officer Sam Williams has announced his candidacy for the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners, challenging incumbent Krista Joseph in the upcoming election.
The Ponte Vedra Beach resident told The Citizen that he first began considering a run after some uncertainty arose about whether Joseph would seek another term for District 4.
Although it has since been confirmed that she plans to run again, Williams stated he will remain in the race, noting that he has already begun laying the groundwork for a campaign.
A lifelong Northeast Florida resident, Williams grew up in the Jacksonville Beaches and has roots in the community he now hopes to represent, he wrote on his campaign website.
He and his wife, Pam, have been married for more than 30 years and raised their two children in the area.
“This community has given so much to me and my family, and I feel called to give back through service,” he wrote. “I am committed to transparent leadership, smart growth, fiscal responsibility, and ensuring St. Johns County remains a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family.”
He began his law enforcement career in 1990 with the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, where he ascended the ranks in a range of roles, including patrol deputy, detective sergeant, district commander, patrol chief and ultimately director of corrections.
In that role, Williams said he oversaw a $22 million budget, more than 200 employees and roughly 500 inmates.
A graduate of Fletcher Senior High School in Jacksonville Beach, Williams earned an associate degree from Vincennes University and a bachelor’s degree from Flagler College.
He also completed the FBI National Academy and accumulated more than 3,000 hours of law enforcement training, according to his site.
In related news, former FBI agent Martin Pyszczymuka previously announced that he will challenge incumbent Sarah Arnold in District 2.
