AUG 2022. Blues Vol 38 No. 8.

A True Passion for Service
Sheriff Michelle Cook, Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Florida
Words by Dr. Tina Jaeckle, Editor, The BLUES
As the only female sheriff
currently holding this office
in the State of Florida, Michelle
Cook has reached a
level in her career that few
will ever achieve. I first met
Michelle several years ago at
the Northeast Florida Criminal
Justice Center in Jacksonville,
Florida. At that time,
she was serving in the role of
Assistant Chief and Academy
Director and her passion for
public service was already
clearly present. I respected
her confidence, intelligence,
and drive and had no question
she would continue to
rise. However, the characteristics
that make Sheriff Cook
truly extraordinary are not
only her love and commitment
to her community and
agency but also to her family.
In fact, when asked what
she considered her greatest
personal achievement, she
stated without hesitation, it
was adopting a sibling group
of four from the Florida foster
care system. Along with
her husband Don Tuten at her
side, she clearly cherishes
her role as a parent to all six
of their children.
Sheriff Cook has deep roots
in the community she serves.
The Cook family moved to
Clay County in the early 80’s
when Michelle’s father, a
Navy veteran, was stationed
at Naval Air Station Cecil
Field. Michelle attended
Orange Park Middle School
and is a Clay High School
graduate. Michelle entered
the law enforcement profession
as a Patrol Officer,
working as a beat cop on the
street. With earned promotions
throughout her 26 year
career, Michelle retired as a
3-star Director, and third in
command, from the Jacksonville
Sheriff’s Office, a
3,300-person agency and the
nation’s 25th largest police
department. As Director of
Patrol and Enforcement, her
responsibilities included the
strategic deployment and
activities of over 1,000 first
responders and community
relations personnel, and direct
management of a budget
of over $100 million. She
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