Michelle Cook’s father was a Navy veteran and stationed at Jacksonville’s Cecil Field Naval Air Station in the 1980’s. She began her career in the Jacksonville Sheriff’s office being a part of the force until retiring as a 3-star Director. As Director of Patrol and Enforcement she worked with first responders, community relations, special events,  collective bargaining, promoting laws and managing personnel.

In 2017, she went on to be the Chief of Police for the Atlantic Beach department handling a 6-million budget and lead to improve the crime rate as well and community morale.

In 2020, Sheriff Cook began a campaign for becoming the Clay County Sheriff and was sworn in on September 1 of that year. Her bio from the Clay County department states: “Sheriff Cook has built a reputation of being a firm, yet compassionate law enforcement leader whose integrity and genuine management style bring respect not only from her work family but also the community she serves.”

The 2006 theme for National Women’s History this year was “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future”.  Sheriff Cook has obviously done this and for her resilience,  President Trump and the First Lady, Melania honored her along with others at The White House for their achievements. 

When speaking at the White House and with a glance at President Trump, she said: “When you have a President (in the White House) saying that we will have law and order in our nation. That sets the tone. That sets the expectation.”

Sheriff Cook went on to say: “ It is an honor to serve my community with you (President Trump) at the top, sir”.  In closing, she said: “God bless our first responders, God bless bless our military, God bless our President and God bless the United States of America”.  Chants followed from the crowd.

It was a good day for Duval  and Clay County, Florida,

See you tomorrow,

Sources:  The White House, Claysheriff .com, National Sheriff’s Association, You Tube, Vaughan Publishing, Nannette V. Ramey.