Sheriff William O. ‘Bill’ Farmer, Sumter County’s longest serving sheriff, was recognized through a lunch reception Tuesday afternoon at the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Farmer, who first served as deputy sheriff in 1971, has run unopposed in his last four elections.
Chief Deputy Gary Brannen spelled out the significance of the sheriff’s service.
“History’s being made today in Sumter County. Today and every day after this that he serves as sheriff of Sumter County’s new record, cause no one has ever served more than five terms as sheriff of Sumter County,” Brannen said.
He then read a letter written by Gov. Rick Scott, who could not make it to the event.
Watch video of the celebration here:
Notable guests that made an appearance at the lunch reception were state Sen. Dennis Baxley, Sumter County Commissioners Al Butler and Doug Gilpin and state Rep. Don Hahnfeldt. Current and former members of the sheriff’s office were also in attendance.
Throughout the presentation, other guests of honor presented Sheriff Farmer gifts as a token of thanks for his contributions to the community.
Vice President Donor Relations Maria Knapp of the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches presented a gift for Sheriff Farmer’s longtime involvement in the Youth Ranches. He currently serves on the board of directors.
Lisa Marshall, regional director for U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, also presented a gift to the longtime Sumter County sheriff.
“I appreciate all my employees, how they’ve stuck by us, by me, how we’ve made a difference in so many lives here in Sumter County,” said Sheriff Farmer in his speech. “My job is to make this star shine a little brighter each and every day,” he said in regards to upholding the duties that come with wearing a sheriff’s badge.
Villages District Commander Lt. Robert Siemer said that Sheriff Farmer was “without a doubt” the best sheriff and that he was proud to be working with him.
