POLK COUNTY, Fla. – Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd has enthusiastically endorsed Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister’s nomination as the next Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), a decision made by President Donald Trump.
Judd praised Chronister’s leadership and experience, expressing confidence in his ability to excel in the critical role.
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“I am totally excited about Sheriff Chronister’s nomination to be the DEA Administrator,” Judd said in a statement. “He is an experienced law enforcement administrator, and that’s exactly what you need in charge of law enforcement agencies. Sheriff Chronister runs a very professional Sheriff’s Office, and he does it very well.”
Judd emphasized that Chronister’s leadership skills and administrative expertise make him well-suited to oversee the DEA, a complex agency with both domestic and international responsibilities. “He will take them to the next level,” Judd added.
Judd highlighted the DEA’s critical role in combating the fentanyl epidemic, which has devastated communities across the United States. He expressed confidence that Chronister would lead efforts to address the crisis at its source.
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“He will keep people safe. He will directly attack fentanyl at its core—that’s in Mexico—and the precursor drugs that are coming in from China,” Judd said. “We’re fortunate to have an experienced law enforcement administrator in that position.”
The DEA’s responsibilities extend far beyond U.S. borders, with agents stationed around the world to combat drug trafficking and related crimes. Judd noted that Chronister’s appointment ensures a steady hand at the helm of an agency tasked with critical enforcement and administrative duties.
“When you’re in charge of the DEA, you’ve got a lot of administrative duties, but also enforcement duties not just around the United States—they have people stationed all around the world,” Judd said.
Trump touted the importance of border security and combating the flow of illegal drugs, particularly fentanyl, as key priorities for the DEA under Chronister’s leadership.
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“I am pleased to nominate Sheriff Chad Chronister for Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). For over 32 years, Sheriff Chad Chronister has served the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and received countless commendations and awards for keeping his community SAFE,” said Trump on Truth Social.
Chronister’s nomination has drawn widespread praise from law enforcement leaders, who see him as a strong choice to lead the DEA during a challenging time.
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