Emery Gainey
Sheriff
Marion County (FL) Sheriff’s Office
I am honored to have had the opportunity to serve the citizens of the State of Florida for the past 37.5 years in one of the greatest professions ever. As a law enforcement officer and senior executive officer, I was privileged to work with thousands of professionally committed and honorable men and women, who without hesitation, put themselves in harm’s way for the communities they swore and affirmed to serve. These truly dedicated public servants deserve the support and public recognition of their communities and community leaders, for the sacrifices they’ve made and will continue to make on their behalf.
Like so many dedicated law enforcement officers, I was excited to join a select group of women and men, in the early 80’s, who truly wished to make their communities better through service, self-sacrifice and enforcement of the law, while also taking advantage of every opportunity to provide guidance and correction to minor offenders.
Our profession is at an interesting crossroads today, where our leaders must better address abuses by a small group of officers within their ranks, while continuing to enthusiastically support and recognize the majority of officers that honor their badge and oath of office, while providing honorable, effective and lifesaving services to the communities we often live and work in. As I’ve learned during my career, law enforcement leaders must continuously adjust their services, and the delivery methods of those services, consistent with the evolving needs of the “entire community.” This must be done while specifically focusing on the unique needs of those members in our communities who may not often be the ones who regularly speak out, yet whose voices and concerns must be heard.
Simultaneously, and at a time when the law enforcement profession is under attack by some at a rate I’ve not seen during my career, we must ensure that we remember the reason that most of us chose this career in the first place – “to be of service to others above ourselves.” We live in a society where a select few choose to violate the rights of others, choose to have no moral compass or respect for the rule of law. As law enforcement officers, we choose to stand between good and evil because it is the right thing to do. And, our honorable colleagues will continue to do so despite the criticism, insults and lack of respect or support from some members of our communities, including some of the elected officials, we swore to serve and protect. We must not allow the current narrative to change that honorable choice. The law-abiding citizens of our communities deserve to have law enforcement officers who will stand in the gap and in harm’s way on their behalf.
While I understand why some of our members have recently made the personal decision to leave the profession, I commend those who have stayed and those who will join the ranks in the future. Thank you for that awesome commitment!
Thank you because our communities need you, our states need you and our country needs you. Without you, chaos will truly reign far beyond the imagination of those who are calling for the elimination or significant reduction of law enforcement in some communities across our country.
Emery Gainey served in law enforcement for 3.57 years; joining the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office in 1982. Was promoted through the ranks to Chief Deputy prior to joining the Florida Attorney General Office in 2007 where he served as both the Director of Law Enforcement and the Director of Victim Services. In May of 2016, Governor Rick Scott appointed him to Sheriff of Marion County where he served until January 2017. He returned to the Attorney General’s Office. In 2019, he was promoted to Chief of Staff in addition to his prior duties and retired in March 2020. During his years of public service, he served on numerous councils & boards.
Emery Gainey served in law enforcement for 3.57 years; joining the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office in 1982. Was promoted through the ranks to Chief Deputy prior to joining the Florida Attorney General Office in 2007 where he served as both the Director of Law Enforcement and the Director of Victim Services. In May of 2016, Governor Rick Scott appointed him to Sheriff of Marion County where he served until January 2017. He returned to the Attorney General’s Office. In 2019, he was promoted to Chief of Staff in addition to his prior duties, and retired in March 2020. During his years of public service, he served on numerous councils & boards.
