This week, the Florida Police Chiefs Association (FPCA) endorsed state Senate President Wilton Simpson, R-Tribly, for Agriculture and Consumer Services commissioner.
“On behalf of the Florida Police Chiefs Association, we are honored to endorse Senate President Wilton Simpson for election as commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services,” said FPCA President Keith Touchberry, the chief of the Fellsmere Police Department. “President Simpson cares about law enforcement officers and their families, and he’s demonstrated consistent leadership on issues like expanding the opportunity for first responders to report and receive treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder.”
Clermont Police Department Chief Charles “Chuck” Broadway, FPCA’s first vice president, also weighed in on why the group was backing Simpson.“As a fifth-generation Floridian, President Simpson is committed to working alongside law enforcement to make Florida the safest state for citizens to live, raise a family, and build their communities,” he said.
“As a farmer, President Simpson understands hard work and the sacrifices necessary for a better tomorrow, including the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers,” said Tampa International Airport Police Department Chief Charlie Vazquez, FPCA’s second vice president.
Simpson is a heavy favorite over farmer and businessman James Shaw in next week’s Republican primary.
Naomi Esther Blemur, J.R. Gaillot and Ryan Morales are running for the Democratic nomination.