Chad Chronister, Sheriff

image of Chad Chronister

A veteran law enforcement officer, Sheriff Chad Chronister has served with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office for the past 33 years. He has a Bachelor and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from St. Leo University and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy's 260th Session.

He became the top law enforcement officer in Hillsborough County on September 30, 2017, upon his appointment by Governor Rick Scott, and re-elected three times by the citizens of Hillsborough County.

Sheriff Chronister has exemplified service above self, reduced crime, has remained focused on community policing, and furthering a culture of professionalism at the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

For these efforts and many others, he has received numerous commendations and awards:

  • Sheriff’s Indian Advisory Council 2024 Community Ambassador Award
  • PACE Center for Girls 2024 Journey to Success Honoree
  • Inaugural Crisis Center of Tampa Bay Compassion Champion Award
  • Department of Defense Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Patriot Award
  • Housing and Education Alliance HEART for the Homeless Award
  • NAACP Walter Moses Burton Unsung Hero Award
  • Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Interfaith Memorial Commemoration Committee’s Robert W. Saunders Award for Distinguished Community Service in the furtherance of Human Rights
  • Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber President’s Award
  • Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Tampa Bay’s Hispanic Prestige Award
  • Inaugural Sheriff’s Hispanic Advisory Council Spirit of Community Award
  • Boy Scouts of America’s Distinguished Citizen Award
  • University of South Florida President’s Fellow Medallion
  • Brandon Chamber of Commerce Community Impact Award
  • Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay Spirit of Achievement Award
  • Sheriff’s Indian Advisory Council Indian Cultural Prestige Award
  • Boys and Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay Great Futures Honoree

He is Co-Chairman of the Regional Domestic Security Task Force for Region IV Tampa Bay, Council Member of the Florida Attorney General’s Statewide Council on Human Trafficking and former Chairman of the Criminal Justice Sub-Committee, appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis to the Florida Statewide Drug Policy Advisory Council, former Vice-Chairman of the Hillsborough County Public Safety Coordinating Council, and former Vice-Chairman of Hillsborough County Public Schools Citizen Oversight Committee.

Sheriff Chronister values partnerships, community outreach, training, and professionalism. He remains dedicated to advancing the Sheriff’s Office with a commitment to implementing technology advancements to better serve the public and keep deputies safe.

He praises his family, faith and grandfather, a World War II decorated Marine, for instilling his passion and selfless service for others. Sheriff Chronister is married to Nikki DeBartolo, has two sons, and credits his success to their love, sacrifice and support.

Revised: 06/27/2025