FHP sergeant to run for sheriff

Livingston, a resident of Crestview, said he’s running to restore the dignity of the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office and its deputies.

“I think it’s time for change,” he said.

Livingston is a third-generation law enforcement officer. His grandfather, Joe Livingston, retired from the Highway Patrol and later went on to serve as a judge in Okaloosa County.

His father, Tommy Livingston, has also retired from the Florida Highway Patrol, a news release announcing Livingston’s candidacy stated.

Livingston said his experience is primarily in law enforcement, but he believes, with the right help, he’ll be able to manage the business side of being sheriff.

“If you have people that you can trust with money and running the financial side of the agency, you should have no problem,” he said. “I know what’s right and wrong and I know I can’t go in there and blow and spend the taxpayers’ money.”

Livingston said he has worked for years with Okaloosa County’s deputies and “I know there are a lot of good people in the Sheriff’s Office.”

He said he wouldn’t, if elected, be inclined to make wholesale changes within the agency.

Livingston also said he does not believe in bonuses for government employees.

“You go into government work knowing your salary. You don’t go in expecting a bonus,” he said.

Sheriff Charlie Morris left the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office in shame following his February arrest by federal agents investigating a kickback scheme.

Morris and his administrative director, Teresa Adams, ultimately pleaded guilty to six federal charges. Morris is serving a 71-month prison sentence.

Adams is scheduled to report Nov. 2 to begin a three-year prison stint of her own.

Three others in the Sheriff’s Office administrative hierarchy under Morris have been arrested and charged, along with Morris and Adams, with the state charge of racketeering.

A sixth Morris employee, his chief of staff Sabra Thornton, has been charged by the state with grand theft.

The field to replace Morris is getting crowded. Six others have announced their intentions to run: Larry Ashley, Joseph Forgione, Rick Hord, Cesar Morales, Bill Patterson and Jerry Vann.