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 32 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 twice re-elected 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 diversity and inclusion at the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

For these efforts and many others, he has received numerous commendations and awards, including the Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay 2024 Spirit of Achievement Award, the inaugural Crisis Center of Tampa Bay Compassion Champion Award, Department of Defense Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Patriot Award, Sheriff’s Indian Advisory Council 2023 Indian Cultural Prestige Award, University of South Florida President’s Fellow Medallion, 2023 Housing and Education Alliance HEART for the Homeless Award, 2023 NAACP Walter Moses Burton Unsung Hero Award, the inaugural 2023 Sheriff’s Hispanic Advisory Council Spirit of Community Award, recognized as the 2022 Boys and Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay Great Futures honoree, the Boy Scouts of America’s 2022 Distinguished Citizen Award, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Interfaith Memorial Commemoration Committee’s 2020 Robert W. Saunders Award for Distinguished Community Service in the furtherance of Human Rights and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Tampa Bay’s 2020 Hispanic Prestige Award.

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 Chairman of the Criminal Justice Sub-Committee, Vice-Chairman of the Hillsborough County Public Safety Coordinating Council, Vice-Chairman of Hillsborough County Public Schools Citizen Oversight Committee, and appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis to the Florida Statewide Drug Policy Advisory Council.

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: 03/08/2024