Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook was honored at the White House on Thursday during an event recognizing Women’s History Month.
During a packed press conference, President Donald Trump personally praised Cook for her long career in law enforcement and her leadership as Clay County’s top law enforcement officer.
“Here today is an outstanding female law enforcement officer keeping her community safe — Sheriff Michelle Cook from Clay County, Florida. Great place,” Trump said while introducing her.
The president also reflected on Cook’s nearly four decades of service.
“She’s done a great job, and more importantly, she’s a great mom,” Trump added.
Cook later stepped to the podium to thank the president for the recognition and speak about the role leadership plays in shaping public safety.
“I’ve done 35 years in this field, and one thing that I will tell you is that crime will rise to the level that a community allows it to rise,” Cook said. “And when you have a president of the United States standing up in Washington, D.C., saying that we will have law and order in our nation, that sets the tone and that sets the expectation.”
The White House event was part of a series of recognitions honoring women across the country who have made an impact in their communities during Women’s History Month.
Cook has been elected sheriff of the First Coast County for six years.
