Department of Support Services

In 2002, Colonel Chris Rule began his career as a deputy sheriff with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

Colonel Rule started his career as a patrol deputy within the west side of the county and held several detective positions, most of which were in a covert capacity, in the following areas: Robbery Task Force, Copper Task Force, Sheriff’s Target Area Response Squad, Narcotics Unit, Tactical Intelligence Team and Internal Affairs. In addition to the many assignments Colonel Rule had, he also served on the Underwater Recovery Team for five years. Colonel Rule was promoted to a supervisory role in 2014. Colonel Rule has supervised patrol deputies and detectives assigned to the General Offense Unit, Tactical Intelligence Unit, the Homeland Security Division, and the Special Investigations Division.

Colonel Rule holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Homeland Security from Saint Leo University and is also a graduate of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Senior Leadership Program. He also serves on the Board of Directors for Florida West Coast Credit Union. Colonel Rule has received the Medal of Distinguished Service, (3) three Life Saving Awards, the Deputy of the Year Award and several Letters of Commendation.

Colonel Rule is a Tampa native with one child. He is a second-generation deputy with the Sheriff’s Office and is dedicated to making his community a safer place to live.