Join us for the Class 60 Graduation Event on Friday, July 26, 2024, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Swisher Headquarters. Enjoy networking opportunities and a graduation program featuring guest speaker U.S. Representative John Rutherford. The classroom training for these students, as well as the graduation event, are made possible thanks to the generosity of our longstanding supporter, Swisher.
John Rutherford (FL-05) is serving his fourth term in the U.S. House of Representatives. He sits on the House Ethics Committee and the House Appropriations Committee where he serves on three subcommittees: Homeland Security, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Transportation and Housing and Urban Development.
John has lived in Jacksonville, Florida, since 1958, and attended Florida Junior College and Florida State University where he studied Criminology. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, 171st Session and the National Executive Institute. He began his career in law enforcement in 1974 as a patrolman in the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO), where he worked his way up to eventually served as sheriff.
In 2003, 2007, and 2011, John was elected Sheriff of Duval County. For twelve years, John effectively ran a 3,200 employee office, and brought homicide and overall violent crime in Jacksonville to a 40-year low. Using a model of intelligence-led and community-based policing, John and his team of law enforcement professionals dramatically improved neighborhoods and prevented crime throughout the community. He also made the mental health component of the criminal justice system a priority, reducing the recidivism rates of the mentally ill and facilitating their treatment.
John also served as Chair of the Legislative Committee for Florida Sheriff’s Association, where he advocated before the State Legislature for policies that strengthened constitutional rights, supported our law enforcement, and enhanced public safety across Florida.
John has been happily married to his wife, Pat, for 51 years with whom he shares two children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. John and Pat are devoted members of Assumption Catholic Church in Jacksonville, Florida.
