The Office of The Sheriff is held by an elected, constitutional officer. The Sheriff serves as the chief law enforcement officer, the chief bailiff of the court, and the chief corrections officer of the county. The Sheriff’s salary is set by the legislature and in Putnam County; a Sheriff is elected for a four-year term. Funding for the Sheriff’s Office is allocated by the Board of County Commissioners. Chapter 30, Florida Statutes, outlines the responsibility of the Sheriff, which includes that the Sheriff be a qualified voter and become a certified law enforcement officer within two years after taking office. Commissioned and appointed deputies are empowered by the Sheriff’s authority.
H.D. "GATOR"
DELOACH III
Sheriff
A life-long resident of Putnam County and graduate of St. Johns River Community College Law Enforcement Academy, Gator DeLoach began his law enforcement career with the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office in March 2001 serving as a Patrol Deputy, Youth Resource Deputy, K9 Handler, and Detective. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2007 and held leadership responsibilities in the Drug Unit, Patrol and Property Crimes at this rank.
In 2011, he promoted to the rank of Lieutenant of Criminal Investigations Bureau. In 2012, Gator was appointed Captain of Administrative Services. In January 2017, Gator DeLoach was sworn in as Sheriff of Putnam County.
Sheriff DeLoach is a member of the Florida Sheriff’s Association, Palatka Masonic Lodge #34, Palatka Rotary Club, Florida Cattleman’s Association, National Rifle Association, Palatka Lions Club, President of Putnam County Sheriff’s Office Police Athletic League, President of the Ten-24 Foundation, sits on the Rodeheaver Boys Ranch Board of Directors, and a graduate of the FBI National Academy, Class 274.
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Sheriff DeLoach lives in Interlachen, Florida with his wife, Jennifer, and their three children.
