Chad Chronister, Sheriff

image of Chad Chronister

Sheriff Chad Chronister has transformed the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office into a nationally recognized model for modern law enforcement through strategic innovation, modernized training and equipment, community-focused policing, and measurable crime reduction.

With over three decades of service, he has led the agency since 2017, earning the trust of Hillsborough County residents through transparency, proactive leadership, and a relentless focus on public safety. Since his appointment by Governor Rick Scott and subsequent re-election three times, Sheriff Chronister has guided the agency with a vision rooted in accountability, operational excellence, and lasting community partnerships.

During his tenure, crime in Hillsborough County has seen a sustained decline, driven by Sheriff Chronister’s emphasis on proactive policing, interagency collaboration, and datadriven enforcement strategies. Recognizing the evolving demands of public safety, he strategically reorganized the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office to enhance internal efficiency, streamline command operations, and better align agency resources to emerging and growing community needs.

Sheriff Chronister is committed to a culture of professionalism by remaining invested in training and best practices, modernized tools and equipment, and establishing his own accredited law enforcement and detention training academy, as well as an advanced training facility.

Sheriff Chronister championed innovative public safety initiatives, including enhanced mental health and crisis intervention training, and targeted enforcement of internet predators to combat human trafficking. He has also prioritized specialized enforcement efforts, creating dedicated squads that reduce crime in critical areas. These include a Gun Reduction Squad, Violent Crimes Squad, Opiod Overdose Squad, Gang Squad, Organized Retail Theft Squad, Auto Theft Squad, Interdiction Criminal Apprehension Team, DUI Enforcement Squad, and most recently, a Domestic Violence Squad, dedicated to proactively identifying and intervening in domestic violence cases - recognizing the urgent need to address violence that too often remains hidden in the home.

Sheriff Chronister is equally committed to rehabilitation. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office operates the only state-certified drug treatment program in a Florida jail and a mental health unit, reflecting his belief in a wholistic approach to treating the root causes of crime. He launched the Veterans Resurgence Program to treat and support incarcerated veterans and opened a Vocational Training Center, providing inmates with educational courses and real-world skills that reduce recidivism and help them build a productive path forward.

Sheriff Chronister has also led significant investments in advanced technology to improve deputy safety, public transparency, and real-time crime analysis. He oversaw the development of a real time crime center, an in-house Firearms Lab, DNA Lab, and Digital Forensics Lab - each designed to streamline investigations, accelerate evidence processing, and bring swift justice for victims.

A firm believer in building bridges with the community, Sheriff Chronister has prioritized outreach and trust-building across all corners of Hillsborough County. His leadership reflects a balance of professionalism, compassion, and responsiveness - hallmarks of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office’s commitment to service.

Academically, Sheriff Chronister holds both a Bachelor and Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Saint Leo University and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy’s 260th Session.

He currently serves as Co-Chairman of the Regional Domestic Security Task Force for Region IV Tampa Bay, a Council Member of the Florida Attorney General’s Statewide Council on Human Trafficking, Florida Statewide Drug Policy Advisory Council, and Hillsborough County Public Safety Coordinating Council.

Sheriff Chronister credits his family, faith, and the example set by his grandfather - a decorated World War II Marine - for inspiring his lifelong commitment to service. He is married to Nikki DeBartolo and is a proud father of two sons.

Awards & Recognitions

Sheriff Chronister’s distinguished service has earned him numerous local and statewide honors, including:

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

Version 08/07/2025