Hendry Chief Deputy Nelson Graduates

Hendry County Chief Deputy Kevin Nelson Graduates from Chief Executive Seminar

LABELLE, FL. -- The Florida Criminal Justice Executive Institute announces the graduation of Hendry County Chief Deputy Kevin Nelson from the Chief Executive Seminar at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) in Tallahassee, Fla. The graduates represent criminal justice agencies around the state who serve in a leadership role within their agency.

"Chief Nelson is a fine example of the type of leadership needed to assist in guiding the Hendry County Sheriff�s Office in a positive and progressive manner," said Hendry County Sheriff Steve Whidden.  "This class is an example of the type of training our employees and staff are receiving."

Chief Kevin Nelson was hired in January 2009 as Road Patrol Lieutenant supervising Patrol Sergeants and deputies.  He was promoted to the position of Chief Deputy in July 2009.  As Chief Deputy, he is the senior most manager immediately below the Sheriff and in the absence of the Sheriff assumes command of the department.  

He started his career in law enforcement in August 1980 as an auxiliary deputy with the Collier County Sheriff�s Office, becoming a full-time deputy in April 1981.  Chief Nelson retired in November 2004 at the rank of Captain. He has been a resident of LaBelle since 2003.

He is involved in the community and has served as Past Master for the LaBelle Masonic Lodge, Past President of the Rotary Club of LaBelle, member of the Board of Directors for the LaBelle Chamber of Commerce and member of the First Baptist Church of LaBelle.

The seminar met for one week each month for three months at FDLE�s Headquarters in Tallahassee.  Graduates took classes on topics such as demography, budgeting, legacy leadership, ethics, and implementing strategic change.

The goal of the Chief Executive Seminar is to prepare Florida�s Criminal Justice leadership for the challenging and changing demands of the future. Class participants study trends and events that may affect criminal justice professionals and the state and develop new leadership skills to address and manage the changes that lie ahead.

The Florida Criminal Justice Executive Institute, established within the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and affiliated with the State University System, was established in 1990 by the Florida Legislature who recognized the need for an innovative and multifaceted approach to the education and training of criminal justice professionals. 

Hendry County Sheriff Steve Whidden stated, "I look forward to our continued partnership as Chief Nelson and I continue working toward leading the Hendry County Sheriff�s Office forward and striving toward the betterment of our agency for our community."